October’s Cocktail of The Month: Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail

Every October a certain squash seems to grab all the attention, but the true star of the season are apples! Celebrate October with a warm Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail!

Pumpkins get all the praise but the very best fall ingredient comes from the orchard, not the patch! Apples are amazing in their many varied applications, shelf stability, and amazing variations. Nothing says “fall” quite like a crispy day spent apple picking finished off with some warm apple cider.

What Makes the Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail a Winner

When it comes to kicking off fall only one drink comes to mind and that is apple cider. Here are a few things that made this cider so special:

Sizzling Spices

The warm autumn spices in this cider are so pleasing they instantly bring a smile to your face. In simmering this smooth cider the spices also get heated up to make a concoction that smells as great as it tastes!

Fun for the Family

Fall is all about family. From football parties to Halloween there are plenty of great reasons to get together at this time of year, and when everyone is all together you’re going to need drinks! This sensational cider is so great because the alcohol is optional. While bourbon adds a delectable punch to this spicy cider, it is absolutely irresistible without alcohol. Serve this one or two ways to make your fall one to remember!

Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail Recipe Ingredients

Apple Cider

Apple cider is the star of this lush libation. This fruit juice is pressed rather than juiced so the end product is less refined, but even more full of apple flavor. Apples bring notes of tardiness and sweetness that play in perfect harmony with warm cold-weather spices!

Light Brown Sugar

Apple cider errs on the tart side so a little sweetener is just right. Brown sugar adds not just sweetness but a nice depth of flavor from the molasses that makes the final drink taste so complex and crave-worthy!

Allspice

This seasoning is actually made from dried berries. It has an amazingly multi-dimensional flavor profile that adds so much to this cider. The flavor of allspice is kind of like clove, fennel, nutmeg, pepper, and cinnamon all in one. It is a one-stop shop for all your autumn spice needs.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg has an incomparable earthiness that brings out the best in warm fruit recipes. Freshly grated is best to bring out the full flavor of this spice.

Whole Cloves

Cloves serve the dual purpose of flavoring and presentation in this delectable drink. They are studded into the orange to bring out extra flavor and to make the pot of simmering cider into a spectacle all of its own.

Orange

Apples love citrus. It helps to bring out the full appley flavor. Orange has the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness to work with apple cider. Using the interesting flavor of orange and clove makes this cider really sizzle!

Cinnamon Sticks

Cider screams out for a cinnamon stick. A simple cinnamon stick is the perfect garnish for this drink because it adds the subtle smell of welcoming cinnamon to every sip.

Bourbon (Optional)

Spiced Apple Cider is perfect as-is an inclusive and festive drink to share with anyone, but after the kids are asleep you may want to spike the punch bowl! Rich and woody bourbon is the perfect thing to take this cider from fun and friendly to warm and sassy. Its earthy notes really sing in this cider and warm bourbon is a cool-weather treat!

Save your good bourbons for sipping. This cider is so full of spicy flavor on its own that using your best liquor would be an undersell. Choose a nice middle-of-the-road bourbon with well-rounded tasting notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, add the apple cider. Stir in the brown sugar, allspice, cinnamon sticks, and nutmeg until the sugar is dissolved, and bring to a low boil.
2. Stick the pointy ends of the cloves into the orange so that just the buds of the cloves are visible. The entire orange should be covered with the cloves.
3. Add the orange to the cider and reduce the heat to simmer. Cover and continue cooking for 20 minutes.
4. Serve in warm mugs with a cinnamon stick garnish. For adults, add bourbon to the cider.

Can I Store Leftover Spiced Apple Cider?

Yes, you can store and reheat this cider. One word to the wise, though, the alcohol cooks out fairly quickly, so if added bourbon to your cider it may be a little less strong when reheated. Pour leftover Cider (and the orange) into a pitcher with a lid and seal. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Food Pairings for Apple Cider

This Spiced Apple Cider is so well-balanced that it really goes well with any food. Try enjoying this as a nightcap with a plate of fruit. Enjoy this cider on the deck after a beautiful fall day, and snack on these tasty Chili Pepper Almonds as you sip!

Make a fall feast with Smoked Pork Shoulder, potatoes, and Spiced Apple Cider. No matter what you choose to serve this satisfying sipper with, its full flavors are sure to steal the show.

Can Kids Drink This Apple Cider?

Yes! This Spiced Cider is delightfully non-alcoholic. With all the full flavor of sweet and tart apples plus the comforting fall spices, this drink is the perfect warm-up for the whole family after a long day out in the autumn weather.

Is Apple Cider Healthy?

Apple cider, like any juice, should be enjoyed in balance with other healthy lifestyle choices. Apple cider is high in sugar but also has lots of wonderful nutrients, so it can be enjoyed in moderation along with other healthy choices.

More Recipes To Love

If you loved the smooth addition of bourbon in this Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail, try this delicious Old Fashioned Recipe, and if you still can’t decide what to eat with your cider try out this amazing recipe for a Smoked Pork Shoulder!

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