Spiked Mulled Apple Cider

It's getting to be that time of year where I start craving all the warm, cozy, bourbon drinks! If you feel the same, you are going to love this super easy Spiked Mulled Cider that will warm you right up!

If you've never tried mulled apple cider before- let me tell you it is delicious. Essentially it is apple cider flavored with spices and citrus, but in this recipe we are also adding in bourbon! I originally created this recipe for World Market and loved it so much I knew I had to share it on SGTO too!

A lot of recipes call for hours of simmering time, but I found that using mulling spices and apple cider vs. apple juice led to a cocktail that was quicker to make and just as delicious as the recipes that call for 2-3 hours of simmer time!

How to make mulled cider with bourbon

Luckily, making hot apple cider with bourbon or whiskey is actually very easy to do!

For this recipe, I used 5 simple ingredients:

• Apple Cider (I used a local cider made in WA)
• Mulling Spices- these are the spices I used from World Market. Also, here is a fun recipe to make your own mulling spices!
• Fresh Orange Slices
• Fresh Apple Slices
• Bourbon (or whisky if you prefer!)

Add everything but bourbon to a pot & simmer:

Basically all you have to do is add the apple cider, mulling spices, orange slices, and apple slices to a large pot and simmer over low heat for 45 minutes until the apple cider has been infused with flavor!

You DO NOT want the mixture to boil or the apple cider may reduce too much and actually become too sweet, so simmering at a low heat really is crucial.

P.S- If you end up having any leftover apple cider, you can also use it in my Vegan Apple Cider Donuts or Vegan Apple Cider Bundt Cake too!

Strain & add in bourbon:

Before serving, strain out any spices or fruit in the hot apple cider. I prefer to do this glass by glass (see video for reference) and used a small handheld strainer. However, you can also strain the mulled cider by placing a colander on top of a clean pot and pouring the cider through there.

Then, fill up each glass with 8 oz of mulled cider and pour in 1.5 oz of bourbon. P.S- these are the mugs I used from World Market.

Add garnishes & serve:

This step is totally optional, but I liked to serve my mulled cider with a fresh orange slice or apple wedge and a whole cinnamon stick for a cocktail that looks as good as it tastes. However, this really isn't necessary for the flavor so feel free to skip this step!

Then, serve and enjoy this warm Holiday cocktail!

FAQ & Substitutions:

Can I use a different alcohol in this cocktail?

For sure! I prefer bourbon but whiskey or a dark rum with caramel flavors would also work wonderfully.

How do I store leftover mulled cider?

Leftover spiked cider can be stored in a closed container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Here is a great air tight pitcher to store it in. Just make it has cooled completely before adding to the fridge. Also, make sure to strain the spices and fruit our before storing or the flavor might be too intense if left to soak.

It can be enjoyed cold or can be reheated on the stove to be enjoyed warm.

This Spiked Mulled Apple Cider truly makes the best Holiday cocktail for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even Hanukkah! Though it may not be traditional, I personally know we will be bringing it to our Hanukkah celebrations this year to pair with crispy Vegan Potato Latkes & Vegan Challah. Enjoy!

-TSG

Looking for more Fall & Winter cocktail recipes? Check out these SGTO favorites!

Apple Thyme Bourbon Smash

Pear Vanilla Gin Fizz

Blood Orange Mimosas

Cranberry Persimmon Winter Sangria

Grapefruit Rose Paloma