Beverages, Bourbon Smoked Sugar

Spiced and Buttered Hot Cider and Bourbon

2 glasses of spiced cider with cinnamon sticks

By the very first sign of fall, we are craving festive flavors. The cozy comfortable cool weather is a just what is needed after suffering through yet another hot steamy summer. As the first leaf hits the ground, a little late this year, I might add, we are more than ready for apples and cinnamon and those flavors reminiscent of autumn. All of the flavors that make us think of cool brisk breeze, apple picking, pumpkin patches, and our beautiful Kentucky trees changing into colors of orange and red.

Bourbon and apple cider are a perfect combination of fall and the flavors we have been craving for months. The smells of the sour apples and the warm sharp bourbon is a perfect way to get into the season’s spirit. This easy recipe will inspire you to create this beverage at your next Sunday brunch or fall themed party.

This recipe is a perfect application for our most popular sweetener, Bourbon Smoked Sugar. We hope you enjoy!

Spiced and Buttered Hot Cider and Bourbon

This festive drink is a perfect way to bring in the autumn weather. 

  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 1 cup water
  • 6 tbsp Bourbon Smoked Sugar
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter (chilled)
  • 1 1/2 cups Kentucky Bourbon
  • 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon
  • ground nutmeg (for garnish)
  1. Combine first five ingredients in a large saucepan.

  2. Bring to a boil.

  3. Cover with a lid and allow to steep for 15 minutes.

  4. Add 4 tbsp of the butter to the an and bring back to a boil.

  5. Remove from heat and add bourbon and lemon juice.

  6. Strain cider into a large pitcher or measuring cup.

  7. Cut remaining tsp. of butter into four pieces 

  8. Divide between four mugs or cups and add a piece of butter to each mug.

  9. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg and serve.