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Cozy Spiked Apple Cider with Cinnamon Sticks – Best Easy Recipe

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This cozy spiked apple cider with cinnamon sticks is a warm, comforting drink that combines apple cider, bourbon, and whole spices for a perfect fall or winter beverage. It’s quick, easy, and ideal for gatherings or quiet nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) bourbon or dark rum (or to taste)
  • 2–3 large cinnamon sticks
  • 4–5 whole cloves
  • 1–2 whole star anise pods (optional)
  • 2–3 thin orange slices (plus more for garnish)
  • 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar (optional)
  • Apple slices (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine the Base: Pour the 4 cups of apple cider into a medium saucepan. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise (if using), and orange slices. Do not add the bourbon yet.
  2. Heat Gently: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the cider to a gentle simmer (small bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil). Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  3. Taste and Adjust: After 5-7 minutes, taste the cider. If you want more spice, simmer for another 2-3 minutes. If desired, stir in maple syrup or brown sugar for extra sweetness.
  4. Add the Bourbon: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour in the ½ cup of bourbon (or dark rum) and stir gently.
  5. Strain (Optional) and Serve: If you prefer a clear cider, strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a heatproof pitcher or directly into mugs. Otherwise, ladle the hot cider into mugs, ensuring each gets a cinnamon stick and a slice of orange or apple for garnish.
  6. Garnish and Enjoy: Top each mug with a fresh cinnamon stick, a thin apple slice, and an orange slice. Serve immediately while steaming hot.

Notes

Don’t boil the cider—a gentle simmer is best to avoid flat or bitter flavors. For deeper spice flavor, toast the cinnamon sticks and star anise in the dry saucepan for 30-60 seconds before adding the cider. Add the alcohol at the end, off the heat, to preserve the warmth without cooking off the alcohol. The cider tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: spiked apple cider, hot apple cider, bourbon apple cider, cinnamon sticks, fall drink, winter drink, easy recipe, cozy drink, mulled cider

Find it online: https://grubella.com/cozy-spiked-apple-cider-with-cinnamon-sticks-best-easy-recipe/