Hot Buttered Bourbon Apple Cider
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To sooth the soul, it's Hot Buttered Bourbon Apple Cider to the rescue.
By Erin Henderson
We have long championed the need to have a signature cocktail at your event.
It doesn't have to be elaborate; if you're the champion martini maker in your group, by all means, stick with your strengths.
But having a well-thought out tipple to greet your guests, adds a welcoming layer of hospitality – especially if it is a warming mug of deliciousness to shake off the chill.
This Hot Buttered Bourbon Apple Cider is favourite cold-weather cocktail of our friends. It's nostalgically delicious, elegantly comforting, and it makes the house smell great while it simmers gently on the stove (well ahead of party time – another terrific bonus).
I think it's perfect as it is, but you could try a few variations, swapping the bourbon for amber rum, or leaving the booze out altogether for a temperance version.
Makes: 10 cups
Bartender level: easy
- 2 litres apple-only, non-alcoholic apple cider
- 3 - 4 star anise
- 10 whole cloves
- 4 cinnamon sticks (plus more for garnish)
- pinch of salt
- 2 cups Bourbon
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- Dried apples (for garnish)
- Set a large stock pot over medium-low heat and pour in apple cider and spices.
- Simmer until hot, and lower the heat until the lowest temperature until ready to serve.
- Removing from heat, pour in bourbon and salted butter and mix. (Set aside a few cups if you need a booze-free option.)
- Strain into warmed mugs and garnish with dried apples and a fresh cinnamon stick.