I’ve decided I’m both a hot apple cider person AND a mulled wine person, so I kinda used mulling spices to make this cider, lol. You can make this either with or without bourbon, and man it’s tasty. I will say for just a liiiiitttle bit more effort, making homemade cider vs store-bought is totally worth it. This is perfect for a party, as it’ll make your house smell GREAT and is a cocktail you can make ahead of time. Recipe (that serves 4 people) is below!

INGREDIENTS:

4 cups unfiltered apple juice

1/2 cup orange juice

Juice of half a lemon

6 cinnamon sticks

1 tsp cloves

4 star anise

1 tsp ground nutmeg

Lemon + orange peel

1/4 cup maple syrup

Optional: 6 ounces bourbon

DIRECTIONS:

Pour juices, spices and citrus peels into a pot and bring to a boil.

Lower the heat, and stir in maple syrup and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Next, add in bourbon if using.

Taste and adjust however needed.

Strain out the spices and peels.

Pour into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick + star anise.