Bourbon-Barrel Style Spiced Apple Cider
A liquid blanket for winter nights. This isn't just heated apple juice, but a complex, spiced beverage where oak aromas (or a drop of bourbon) add depth to the fruit. The richness of melting whipped cream on top rounds out any sharpness from the spices.
Ingredients
2
cups
Apple Cider (Alcoholic or Unfiltered Juice)
2
tbsp
Brown Sugar
1
tsp
Vanilla Extract
1
whole
Cinnamon Stick
1
pinch
Nutmeg
1
tsp
Grated Orange Zest
1
tsp
Bourbon (or 2 drops Oak Essence)
1/2
cup
Whipped Cream
Shopping List (0)
Allergen Information
Milk
Instructions
1
✓
Pour cider into a saucepan, add spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, zest) and sugar. Heat until shimmering.
Tip: Don't boil vigorously. If using hard cider, alcohol will evaporate; even with juice, you lose aroma.
2
✓
Simmer on low for 5-10 minutes to let flavors meld (infusion).
Tip: Heat helps extract essential oils from the spices.
3
✓
Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and bourbon/oak essence. Strain into glasses.
Tip: Add aromatics at the end as they are heat-sensitive.
4
✓
Serve topped with whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Apple Cider (Alcoholic or Unfiltered Juice)
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 whole Cinnamon Stick
- 1 pinch Nutmeg
- 1 tsp Grated Orange Zest
- 1 tsp Bourbon (or 2 drops Oak Essence)
- 1/2 cup Whipped Cream