Spiked Hot Apple Cider

Inspired by the downpour of rain turned into snow, the early solstice sunset, and anything I had stocked on the bar cart and in the pantry, this was the perfect Christmas week cocktail to have while wrapping up the work day.

It’s a stressful week, maybe less this year because there aren’t as many places to go, but traditionally it’s a tough one. Work is in a weird limbo before vacations start, the hustle is real to get stuff done, and there’s often lots of cooking and baking waiting on the to do list. So this is an easy one. Made with ingredients that are pretty much always on hand this time of year, it was just minutes before I was sipping on something warm and comforting.

This recipe is as flexible as it is quick. It’s a great single-serving option without too much effort, but can easily be scaled up and batched. Cheers!

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If your apple cider isn’t too sweet, add a touch of Rosemary Syrup to complement the apple and orange flavors. Find the recipe here.

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What you’ll need for one serving:

• 6 oz. apple cider (Honeycrisp is preferred)

• 2 oz. Woodford Reserve or other bourbon whiskey

• 2 oz. Cointreau or other orange liqueur

• ½ oz. Rosemary Syrup (optional)

• 2 orange slices

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 star anise

• Dash of nutmeg

• Raw sugar for garnish

Here’s how to make it:

Heat apple cider, 1 orange slice, cinnamon, star anise, and nutmeg in a saucepan until boiling. Cut the heat to low and simmer 5 minutes more.

While simmering, take a glass or mug and dip the top ¼” into the apple cider mixture and then into raw sugar to coat the rim.

Pour the apple cider into the glass or mug, then add Rosemary Syrup (optional), bourbon whiskey, and orange liqueur. Drop in the cinnamon stick, star anise, and the other fresh slice of orange.