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Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail

A cozy and festive fall cocktail made with fresh apple cider, warming spices, and bourbon. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a chilly evening by the fire. Can easily be adapted into a mocktail.
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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Cocktail Base:
  • 2 oz bourbon or whiskey omit for mocktail
  • 3 oz fresh apple cider unfiltered preferred
  • ½ oz lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • ½ oz maple syrup or honey
  • Dash of bitters optional
  • Ice cubes
For Rim & Garnish:
  • Lemon wedge for rimming
  • Demerara or turbinado sugar for rim
  • 2 –3 thin apple slices
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 star anise pod
  • 1 rosemary sprig

Method
 

  1. Rim a short tumbler by running a lemon wedge along the edge, then dipping it in coarse sugar.
  2. In a shaker, combine bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Add ice and shake gently for 10–15 seconds.
  3. Strain into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
  4. Garnish with apple slices, a cinnamon stick, star anise, and rosemary.
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy!