Hot Maple Bourbon Apple Cider blends richly flavored apple cider with smoky bourbon and a touch of dark maple syrup for a warming, indulgent fall drink.
Last weekend my sisters and I were texting. Christina, who lives in Virginia, sent a photo of a gallon jug of dark Grade B maple syrup propped upside down over an empty jar to catch the last precious drips. I joked that she should swish some bourbon in the jug to get every last drop. Her husband, Kevin, suggested pouring that bourbon into apple cider.
One thing led to another and soon we were calling it Hot Maple Bourbon Apple Cider—our cozy alternative to hot buttered rum. It was so good we declared ourselves a collective genius.
There are many reasons this drink works. First, fresh apple cider smells like autumn in a cup—bright, fruity, and a little urgent, as if the apples are trying to jump out. Bourbon brings smokiness, oak, and caramel notes, plus a warming bite that radiates through the drink.
Dark Grade B maple syrup deserves special mention. Typically produced at the end of the sugaring season, Grade B is more intense and deeply flavored than lighter grades. If you haven’t tried it, it’s a revelation: a small amount goes a long way to impart that unmistakable maple depth.
If you don’t have dark maple syrup, you can substitute a good homemade pancake syrup or another robust syrup—your cider will be different but still delicious.
Topping the cider with fresh whipped cream and a grating of nutmeg is optional but highly recommended when you want to lean into the indulgence. For holiday entertaining, a steaming mug crowned with whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg makes a welcoming impression.
Prefer a lighter approach? Serve it plain. Want the full treat? Add the whipped cream. Both are excellent—choose what fits the moment.
Hot Maple Bourbon Apple Cider
Rebecca Lindamood
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Per Hot Maple Bourbon Apple Cider:
- 1 tablespoon dark maple syrup Grade B
- 8 ounces fresh apple cider not spiced
- 3 tablespoons bourbon
Optional:
- Fresh whipped cream
- Freshly grated nutmeg
Instructions
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Heat the maple syrup and apple cider together in a microwave-safe mug or in a small saucepan until steam rises. Add the bourbon to a mug or heatproof glass, then pour the hot cider over the bourbon. If desired, top with fresh whipped cream and grate a little nutmeg over the top. Serve immediately.
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Calculate nutrition using the exact ingredients you use if needed.
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