Maple Bourbon Spiced Apple Cider Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, warmly spiced drink that feels like a hug in a mug, you’ve got to try my Maple Bourbon Spiced Apple Cider Recipe. It’s everything you want in a fall or winter sipper—rich apple flavor, spicy warmth, a touch of maple sweetness, and just the right bourbon kick. Whether you’re entertaining friends or need a comforting treat on a chilly evening, this recipe will quickly become your go-to.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Maple Bourbon Spiced Apple Cider Recipe come together to build layers of flavor and warmth. Each spice is classic for cider but using fresh orange and lemon slices really brightens the profile, while maple syrup enhances natural apple sweetness without being too sugary.

• Apple cider: Go for fresh, unfiltered cider if you can find it—it gives a richer, more authentic apple flavor than sweet juice.
• Orange slices: Adds a fresh citrus zing that cuts through the sweetness and spices beautifully.
• Lemon slices: Help balance the sweetness with some tart brightness, preventing your cider from tasting cloying.
• Cinnamon sticks: The star of cozy spices; I recommend whole sticks for slow infusion and easy removal.
• Whole cloves: They’re potent, so a few really do the trick; they add warm, earthy notes.
• Star anise: Brings a subtle licorice flavor that deepens the complexity; plus, they look charming in the mug!
• Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup for natural sweetness and that signature maple flavor that makes this cider special.
• Bourbon: Adds smooth warmth and a hint of caramel—always choose a decent bottle because the flavor shines through.

Make It Your Way

This Maple Bourbon Spiced Apple Cider Recipe is super flexible, so feel free to tweak it based on your taste or what you have in the pantry. I always like experimenting by adding a little more maple syrup if I want it sweeter or trying different bourbons to see how they change the profile.

• Variation: Sometimes I swap out bourbon for spiced rum—gives a fun twist that’s just as delicious and adds a unique spice depth.
• Non-alcoholic version: Simply skip the bourbon and you’ve got a perfect warming drink for kids or anyone avoiding alcohol.
• Seasonal twist: Adding a splash of fresh apple juice or muddled cranberries can give this cider a festive holiday flair.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Bourbon Spiced Apple Cider Recipe

Step 1: Infuse the Cider

Start by pouring your apple cider into a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Toss in the orange and lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise. Let everything come to a gentle simmer, then immediately reduce the heat to low—this slow steeping is key to getting those beautiful warm spice aromas without boiling off the fresh citrus zing or burning the spices.

Step 2: Let the Flavors Marry

Keep the cider on low and let it steep gently for about 30 minutes. This slow infusion time allows the spices and citrus to really meld into the cider without overpowering it. I like to give it a little stir every 10 minutes to make sure flavors are distributing evenly.

Step 3: Sweeten and Strain

Once your cider is perfectly infused, stir in 4 tablespoons of maple syrup—taste it and add more if you want it sweeter. Then, carefully remove the citrus slices and whole spices using a slotted spoon or strain through a fine mesh sieve. The goal is a smooth, warm, flavorful cider ready to mingle with bourbon.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Pour about 1 ounce of bourbon into each mug, then fill the rest with your hot spiced cider. To make it extra special, add a cinnamon stick and a star anise as a garnish—the aroma alone makes it feel like an event. Sip slowly and enjoy!

How to Serve Maple Bourbon Spiced Apple Cider Recipe

Garnishes

I always serve this cider with a cinnamon stick and a star anise floating on top—both add that gorgeous aroma and make the drink Instagram-worthy. Sometimes, I toss in a thin apple slice or a twist of orange peel for a fresh note right at the sip.

Side Dishes

This cider pairs wonderfully with anything from warm spiced donuts to soft cheese boards with sharp cheddar and honeycomb. For a cozy night in, I love serving it alongside roasted nuts and crusty artisan bread with butter.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve poured this cider into mini mason jars and tied a cinnamon stick on with twine for rustic charm. Using clear mugs or glasses really shows off the warm, amber color and floating spices. Adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or a sprig of fresh rosemary can take presentation to the next level.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover spiced apple cider in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to remove the whole spices before storing, or the flavors can get too intense. The cider stays beautifully flavorful and just needs a quick reheat.

Freezing

Freezing this cider isn’t my first choice since the maple syrup can alter texture once thawed, but you can freeze it in ice cube trays for cocktail additions later. Just thaw cubes overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the cider on the stove over low heat—never boil—to retain all that fresh, spiced flavor. After reheating, add your bourbon and garnish as usual. Microwave works too if you’re in a pinch, but slow warming on the stove is best.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Maple Bourbon Spiced Apple Cider Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the perfect way to gather friends and family for a warm, relaxed moment—whether after a crisp fall hike or a lazy weekend morning. I hope you give it a try soon and make it your own; there’s nothing like sipping on this deliciously spiced drink to make you feel cozy inside and out. Cheers to that!

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