Description
A rich, spiced apple cider infused with warm autumn spices and salted caramel, topped with a creamy, boozy bourbon float for a sophisticated seasonal drink.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 quart (950ml) fresh-pressed apple cider
- 1/2 cup (120ml) maple syrup or apple-cinnamon syrup
- 3 whole cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 4 allspice berries
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) salted caramel sauce
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 3–4 tablespoons (45-60ml) bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Pour apple cider into a large saucepan. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, star anise, and nutmeg. Stir to submerge spices.
- Place pot over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and steep for 10 minutes. Do not boil.
- Stir in maple syrup (or apple-cinnamon syrup) and vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Add fine sea salt and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat. Strain out whole spices if desired, or leave in for aroma.
- Stir in salted caramel sauce until fully combined and uniform.
- In a small bowl, combine heavy cream and bourbon. Whisk vigorously until the cream thickens slightly but is not whipped to stiff peaks.
- Pour hot cider into mugs. Drizzle extra caramel on the rim if desired.
- Slowly pour the bourbon cream over the back of a spoon onto the surface of the cider to create a float.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not boil the cider as it can make the flavor taste cooked. Use fresh spices for best flavor. The cream float should be poured slowly over the back of a spoon to ensure it floats. The spiced cider base can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Protein: 2
Keywords: fall drink, apple cider, salted caramel, bourbon cream, autumn recipe, hot cider, seasonal drink, cozy drinks