Holiday Cocktail: Apple Cider Bourbon

One of my favorite ways to cozy up this time of year is to enjoy hot apple cider. I found a holiday cocktail recipe that is perfect for autumn from Style Me Pretty that takes it to the next level with bourbon. My husband used it as a starting point to create his own version.

My husband is a fantastic chef. He doesn’t work from recipes, but he is incredibly creative in the kitchen. Almost everything he makes comes from his head. Whether he is recreating something he tasted at a restaurant or improvising dinner with what ingredients happen to be in the pantry, his meals are always delicious. He likes to tell people that that is the real reason I agreed to marry him!

So don’t be afraid to experiment with established recipes. Look at the flavors that are already present and think about other ingredients that might be complementary. Allow yourself to be creative and you never know what you might come up with! The worst that could happen would be that you don’t like it, and that in itself will give you direction on what to try the next time – or what to stay away from.

Ingredients

Bourbon
Apple Cider
Ground cinnamon
Sugar
Orange peel
Cocktail ice
Rosemary sprig
Cinnamon stick

Instructions

Mix equal parts ground cinnamon and sugar in a bowl
Flame orange peel and rim edge of glass
Dip rim of glass in cinnamon sugar mix
Add 2 parts bourbon and 4 parts cider
Stir, add cocktail ice, then garnish with cinnamon stick, orange peel, and rosemary sprig

And enjoy!

This is a super easy holiday cocktail to make and share. This version is chilled, but you could also serve this hot if you prefer. Just warm up the cider on the stove. Sipping a hot drink and snuggling up with a blanket and my dog warms me up inside and out!

For another easy way to add the holiday spirit to your home, check out my previous post to see my take on a Christmas stovetop simmer.

What’s your favorite holiday cocktail?