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Cozy Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail: Easy & Warm

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This cozy slow cooker bourbon apple cider cocktail is a warm, aromatic drink perfect for gatherings. It’s incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients and a secret orange trick that adds brightness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 64 ounces (8 cups) apple cider
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) bourbon
  • 1 large orange, washed and sliced into rounds
  • 3–4 cinnamon sticks
  • 4–5 whole star anise
  • 4–5 whole cloves
  • 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar (optional)
  • 2–3 slices of fresh ginger (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the ingredients. Wash your orange thoroughly and slice it into rounds about ¼-inch thick. If you’re using fresh ginger, peel it and slice it into thin coins. Measure out your apple cider and bourbon.
  2. Combine everything in the slow cooker. Pour the apple cider and bourbon into the slow cooker. Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves. If you’re using the maple syrup or brown sugar, add it now. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
  3. Set it and forget it. Put the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours. The longer it simmers on low, the more the flavors will meld together. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells incredible and the cider is steaming hot. Pro tip: Don’t let it boil—a gentle simmer is best.
  4. Taste and adjust. After it’s been simmering for a couple of hours, give it a taste. Adjust sweetness or bourbon as needed. I usually find it’s perfect as is, but sometimes I add an extra splash of bourbon right before serving.
  5. Serve it up. Use your ladle to pour the warm cocktail into mugs. Try to get a cinnamon stick and a star anise into each mug for presentation. You can also add an orange slice on top.

Notes

The alcohol doesn’t cook off completely, so this is an adult beverage. Use a bourbon you enjoy drinking. The orange adds brightness and cuts sweetness. For a non-alcoholic version, omit bourbon and add extra apple cider. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, bourbon, apple cider, cocktail, warm, cozy, fall, winter, party drink

Find it online: https://forkmila.com/cozy-slow-cooker-bourbon-apple-cider-cocktail-easy-and-warm/