Cider, Spice & Everything Nice

Spiced Apple Cider (Bourbon Version)

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Bulliet Bourbon: The base spirit of this cocktail, Bulliet Bourbon, is known for its smooth, yet bold flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a touch of spice. It provides the perfect foundation for the gingerbread-inspired flavors to come.

  • 4 oz (120 ml) fresh apple cider (not juice)

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • 1 tsp (5 ml) maple syrup

  • Apple slices, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Warm the cider: In a small pot, heat apple cider with the cinnamon stick and maple syrup over low–medium until steamy (do not boil), 3–5 minutes.

  2. Build the drink: Add 2oz bourbon to a heat-safe mug. Pour in the warm spiced cider.

  3. Garnish & serve: Add apple slices (and the cinnamon stick) to the mug. Sip by the fire and exhale.

Why We Love It

Warm cider + caramel-kissed bourbon + real maple = a hug in a mug—comforting, gently sweet, and perfectly spiced.

Sweetpea & Rose Tips

  • Cider matters: Unfiltered farm cider gives the best body and aroma.

  • Turn it up (gently): For deeper spice, let the cinnamon stick steep 10 minutes off heat.

  • Cinnamon-sugar rim: Mix 2 Tbsp sugar + ½ tsp cinnamon; moisten mug rim with maple, dip, then pour the drink.

  • Garnish glow-up: Express an orange peel over the mug for a citrusy lift; add a star anise for that pretty, festive look.

Make It For a Crowd (Slow Cooker)

  • For 8 servings: 2 cups (480 ml) bourbon, 1 quart (950 ml) cider, 8 tsp maple, 8 cinnamon sticks.

  • Warm cider + maple + cinnamon in a slow cooker on LOW (1–2 hrs); keep warm.

  • Add bourbon to mugs individually (¼ cup / 60 ml each) so guests can choose their strength. Garnish bar = apple slices, orange peel, star anise, cinnamon sugar.

Zero-Proof (Mocktail)

Swap bourbon for:

  • Spiced black tea (strong-brewed), or

  • Non-alcoholic bourbon-style spirit.
    Finish with a squeeze of orange and the same cozy garnishes.

    With Love,

    XX Sweetpea and Rose

Spiced Apple Cider

When the first week of October shows up with crisp air and early golden sunsets, we lean into our favorite fall ritual: warming a pot of apple cider, perfuming the kitchen with cinnamon, and pouring a cozy sip to enjoy by the fire (or a candlelit windowsill). This simple cocktail is effortless, elegant, and very “us”—seasonal, welcoming, and just a touch elevated.

Serves: 1 mug • Prep: 2 min • Warm: 5 min
Good to know: naturally dairy-free & gluten-free

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