Hot Spiced Apple Cider (alcoholic version with Bourbon included)

Hot Spiced Apple Cider (alcoholic version with Bourbon included)

Fall is here. My fall decor is out and hanging. We have been donning light jackets. The leaves are yet to change colors though. But that will not stop me from making spiced Apple Cider and sipping on it as the days get shorter and the air gets nippier.

I love this time of the year. The bursting bright colors. The nip in the air. The promise of hot soups and warm drinks to cozy up to. What is there not to love. 

Ingredients for Hot Spiced Apple Cider

• 4 Cups of Apple Cider
• Half of a small orange cut into wedges
• Half a cinnamon Stick
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp of whole allspice
• 1/2 tsp of whole cloves
• 1/4 tsp of black peppercorn
• A tiny pinch of nutmeg
• A pinch of salt
• For an alcoholic version, about 4-6 ounces of bourbon

How to make Hot Spiced Apple Cider 

Start by heating the apple cider in a medium sized saucepan on medium-low heat till the sugar dissolves. Keep stirring from time to time. Once the sugar has dissolved, lower the heat down to simmer, and throw in orange pieces and spices. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes on low heat. Serve hot with a cinnamon stick in it.

For the alcoholic version of Hot Spiced Apple Cider

Add 4 to 6 ounces of bourbon to the warm apple cider. Stir. Pour into cute little mugs or jars and serve.