Big-Batch Hot Bourbon Cocktail with Maple & Apple Cider

Grab a mug and get all the flavors of fall—apple, maple and spices—in this warm mulled cider cocktail. And this version, with a hint of ginger liqueur for extra spice, is just as enjoyable whether you're sipping it around a bonfire or on your couch with a cozy blanket. It's like a New England autumn evening in drinkable form. If you'd like to make this alcohol-free for a family gathering and spike each glass individually, add 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) bourbon and 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) ginger liqueur to each cup of mulled cider.

Big-Batch Hot Bourbon Cocktail with Maple & Apple Cider
Active Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
16

Ingredients

  • 1 gallon apple cider

  • ½ cup pure maple syrup

  • 4 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish

  • 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries

  • 4 whole star anise pods

  • 2 cups bourbon

  • 1 cup ginger liqueur (such as Domaine de Canton®)

Directions

  1. Stir cider and maple syrup together in a large heavy pot. Add cinnamon, allspice and star anise. Cover and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, then reduce the heat to low and continue to gently simmer for 30 minutes. (Alternatively, combine ingredients in a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker; cook on Low for 2 hours.)

  2. Stir in bourbon and ginger liqueur. Ladle the cocktail into heatproof glasses to serve. Garnish with additional cinnamon sticks, if desired.

Tips

To make ahead: Prepare mulled cider (Step 1) and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat before adding the liquor and serving. To keep the cocktail warm for an extended period of time without overheating it, use the Keep Warm function on the slow cooker.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

281 Calories
44g Carbs
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 16
Calories 281
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 44g 16%
Total Sugars 42g
Sodium 2mg 0%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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