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Oh, you know how much I love fall! The crisp air, the colorful leaves, and the best part? Getting together with friends and family. When I’m hosting, I want drinks that are just as warm and inviting as the season, but also super easy so I can actually *enjoy* the party too. That’s exactly why this apple cider cocktail is my go-to. It’s honestly such a lifesaver for gatherings because you can make a big batch ahead of time. Whether you want something cozy to sip on a chilly evening or a refreshing cold drink for an afternoon get-together, this one does it all. It’s all about finding that pure joy in simple, delicious food and drinks that bring people together, just like Alex talks about. I really pour my heart into making recipes that are meant for sharing, and this spiked cider is definitely one of those!
- Why You'll Love This Apple Cider Cocktail
- Gather Your Ingredients for this Bourbon Apple Cider Drink
- How to Prepare Your Fall Batch Cocktail
- Tips for Success with Your Holiday Cider Cocktail
- Frequently Asked Questions about this Apple Cider Cocktail
- Serving Suggestions for Your Bourbon Apple Cider Drink
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Share Your Apple Cider Cocktail Creations!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Cocktail
Seriously, this drink is a winner for so many reasons:
- So Easy to Make: You just mix everything together! No fancy skills needed, just pure simplicity.
- Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: That warm apple and spice flavor is universally loved, especially when the weather gets a little cooler.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Mix it up hours or even a day before your party. It’s a total stress-saver!
- Hot or Cold, It Works: Perfect for warming you up on a frosty night or refreshing guests on a sunny fall afternoon.
- Ultimate Fall Vibe: It just tastes like autumn in a mug (or glass!).
Gather Your Ingredients for this Bourbon Apple Cider Drink
Okay, so for this amazing bourbon apple cider drink, you don’t need anything super fancy, which is exactly how I like it! We’re starting with a whole gallon of good quality apple cider – the fresher, the better, trust me. Then, we’ll pour in about a cup and a half of your favorite bourbon; use something you’d actually enjoy drinking on its own! A little splash of spiced rum, like half a cup, adds a lovely extra layer of warmth. Don’t forget about a quarter cup of fresh lemon juice for a little brightness to cut through the sweetness. Oh, and for serving, have a cinnamon stick ready for each glass, plus some pretty apple slices for garnish. See? Simple, delicious ingredients!
How to Prepare Your Fall Batch Cocktail
Alright, let’s get this amazing fall batch cocktail ready! It’s seriously so easy, you’ll want to make it for every cozy gathering. The best part is you can prep the base ahead of time, which is a lifesaver when you’re hosting so you don’t have to play bartender all night.
Mixing the Base for Your Apple Cider Cocktail
First things first, grab a big pitcher or a festive punch bowl. Pour in your apple cider, bourbon, spiced rum, and that fresh lemon juice. Give it all a good stir until everything is happy and combined. That’s it for the base!
Serving Your Spiked Hot Cider Option
If you’re going for the cozy, warm version, just gently heat this mixture. A slow cooker is perfect for this – just set it on low and let it get nice and warm. You can also do this on the stovetop, but be super careful not to let it boil, okay? Boiling can make the alcohol cook off and change the flavor. Serve it up piping hot in mugs!
Chilling Your Cold Apple Cider Cocktail
For the cold folks, just pop that pitcher in the fridge. You’ll want to let it chill for at least a couple of hours so all those lovely flavors can really meld together and get nice and cold. It’s perfect for those warmer fall days or just if you prefer your drinks chilled.
Garnishing Your Easy Autumn Punch
Now for the fun part – making it look as good as it tastes! For each serving, just tuck in a cinnamon stick. It looks pretty and adds a gentle hint of spice. A few thin apple slices on the rim of the glass or floating in the drink add that extra autumnal charm.
Tips for Success with Your Holiday Cider Cocktail
Making this holiday cider cocktail is all about embracing that simple joy in the kitchen Alex talks about, so don’t stress! Here are a few little things that make it extra special:
- Quality Matters: Use the best apple cider you can find! A good cider really shines through, and it makes a world of difference in this bourbon apple cider drink.
- Bourbon Choice: Don’t be afraid to play with your bourbon. If you like a smoother, less smoky taste, go for something lighter. If you love a bit more depth, a richer bourbon works great too!
- Sweetness Adjustment: Everyone likes their drinks a little different, right? If your cider is super sweet, you might need less (or no!) extra sweetener. Taste and adjust the bourbon and lemon juice to get it just perfect for you. It’s all about making it *yours*.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to toss in a star anise pod or a thin orange slice along with the cinnamon stick for a little extra flair. It looks fancy, but it’s still super simple!
Frequently Asked Questions about this Apple Cider Cocktail
You’ve got questions, I’ve got answers! Hosting should be joyful, not stressful, and knowing the little details makes it way easier. Here are some common things people ask about this delicious apple cider cocktail:
Can I make this apple cider cocktail ahead of time?
Oh, absolutely! This is my favorite part. You can totally mix up the base of this apple cider cocktail a day or two in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
What are good bourbon substitutions for this drink?
If bourbon isn’t your jam, no worries! A nice spiced rum works brilliantly, or you could even try a good quality tequila or a smooth rye whiskey. It all just adds a slightly different twist to your fall batch cocktail.
How do I make a non-alcoholic version of this fall batch cocktail?
Easy peasy! Just leave out the bourbon and spiced rum. The apple cider, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick still make a wonderfully flavorful and festive drink that everyone can enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Your Bourbon Apple Cider Drink
This bourbon apple cider drink is just perfect for so many occasions! Because it’s so easy to batch and tastes like pure autumn comfort, I love serving it at all our fall get-togethers. It’s divine alongside some warm apple pie or maybe a batch of my pumpkin spice cookies – all those cozy dessert flavors just sing together! It’s also a fantastic companion for a cheesy charcuterie board or some savory roasted nuts. Really, any excuse to gather with friends feels better with a warm mug of this in hand, don’t you think? It just makes everything feel a little more special.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! You can stash any extra apple cider cocktail in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. If you want to enjoy it warm again, just gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the slow cooker. Remember, we don’t want to boil it – just get it nice and cozy again!
Share Your Apple Cider Cocktail Creations!
I’d absolutely love to see your take on this apple cider cocktail! Snap a pic and tag me on social media or drop a comment below with your thoughts. Did you try a fun variation? I can’t wait to see it!
PrintBourbon Apple Cider Punch
A simple, crowd-pleasing fall punch made with apple cider and bourbon, perfect for batching and serving hot or cold.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Batching
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 1.5 cups bourbon
- 0.5 cup spiced rum
- 0.25 cup lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick per serving
- Apple slices for garnish
Instructions
- Combine apple cider, bourbon, spiced rum, and lemon juice in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
- Stir well to combine.
- For hot cider: Gently heat the mixture in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Do not boil.
- For cold cider: Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Serve in mugs or glasses, adding a cinnamon stick and apple slices to each serving.
Notes
- This punch can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Adjust the amount of bourbon to your preference.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon and rum.
- Other spirits like tequila or spiced rum can be substituted for bourbon.
- Garnish with star anise or orange slices for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
