How to Make Mulled Cider with Bourbon: The Ultimate Cozy Fall Drink

Simmered spices and fruit create a fragrant, shared drink that elevates autumn moments.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 12, 2025

Simmered spices and fruit create a fragrant, shared drink that elevates autumn moments.

Mulled Cider with Bourbon: A Cozy Fall Classic

When the air turns crisp and the leaves take on their golden glow, few things are as inviting as a steaming mug of mulled cider. Add a touch of bourbon, and you have the perfect drink to warm up chilly evenings, holiday get-togethers, or any moment when comfort is needed most. This classic combination infuses apple cider with spices, fruits, and a splash of bourbon, offering rich aroma and flavor that instantly evokes autumn.

Why Mulled Cider with Bourbon?

Mulled cider has a long tradition as a festive, communal beverage, especially popular in North America and Europe. The addition of bourbon, a quintessential American spirit, adds warmth and complexity, deepening the comforting flavors of apple and spice. This drink is:

Easy to prepare in batches—perfect for parties or family gatherings
Customizable with your favorite spices and garnishes
Alcoholic or non-alcoholic by simply omitting the bourbon
Festive in aroma and presentation, with floating fruit and cinnamon sticks

Essential Ingredients

The soul of this recipe is fresh apple cider, ideally unfiltered and unpasteurized, which delivers natural sweetness and depth. Complementing the cider are aromatic spices, fresh fruit, and—of course—the bourbon. Here’s what you’ll need:

1/2 gallon apple cider (preferably unfiltered)
1 Granny Smith apple, diced (adds tartness and aroma)
Peel of 1 orange, torn into pieces (bright, citrusy notes)
3 cinnamon sticks (warmth and spice)
1/4 cup sugar (adjustable to taste)
1/2 cup bourbon (adds a smoky, oaky finish)

Optional Add-Ins

Star anise, cloves, or allspice for even more complexity
Lemon peel for extra brightness
Fresh ginger slices for a gentle kick
Additional fruits such as pear or cranberries for color and flavor

Step-by-Step Directions

This mulled cider recipe is simple, but time is the true secret ingredient. Slow simmering allows the flavors to meld and deepen, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, pour in the apple cider. Add the diced apple, orange peel, and cinnamon sticks. Sprinkle in the sugar and stir to dissolve.
Simmer: Place the pot over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to low and let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour. This infuses the cider with spice and fruit flavors.
Add Bourbon: Stir in the bourbon and let the mixture simmer for another 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to integrate.
Serve: Ladle the hot cider into mugs, making sure each serving gets some apple pieces and a cinnamon stick if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.

Quick Tips

For a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the bourbon and add an extra splash of orange juice for brightness.
Use a slow cooker on low for hands-off mulling and easy party service.
Taste and adjust sweetness as needed; if your cider is naturally sweet, reduce added sugar.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Feel empowered to make this recipe your own! Here are some common tweaks and substitutions:

Alcohol: Substitute dark rum or brandy for bourbon, or omit for an alcohol-free version.
Sweetener: Swap white sugar with maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Spices: Add star anise, whole cloves, or allspice berries for a more complex profile.
Fruit: Toss in sliced pears, fresh cranberries, or lemon peel for variety in flavor and appearance.
Bourbon flavor intensity: Increase to 3/4 cup for a bolder kick, or reduce for a milder drink.

Serving Suggestions

This mulled cider with bourbon is as adaptable in presentation as in flavor. Consider these ideas for serving and garnishing:

Use heatproof mugs or handled glassware for a rustic touch
Float a cinnamon stick or star anise in each cup for garnish
Slice fresh apple and orange wheels for a festive look
Add a twist of orange or lemon peel to each mug for citrus aroma
Sprinkle with a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg just before serving

Perfect Pairings & Occasions

This warm, spiced drink shines at:

Holiday parties (Thanksgiving, Christmas)
Fall gatherings or bonfires
Brunches for an autumnal twist
Cozy nights in with friends or family
Outdoor events—consider serving from an insulated thermos

Comparing Autumn Apple Cider Cocktails

Drink	Main Ingredients	Flavor Profile	Best For
Mulled Cider with Bourbon	Apple cider, cinnamon, orange, apple pieces, bourbon	Spiced, warm, aromatic, whiskey notes	Holiday parties, winter evenings
Mulled Apple Cider (Rum)	Apple cider, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, rum	Spiced, rich, molasses notes	Brunches, cozy daytime sipping
Caramel Apple Mimosa	Apple cider, caramel syrup, sparkling wine	Sweet, bubbly, dessert-like	Brunch, celebrations
Apple Cider Mojito	Apple cider, mint, rum, lime	Minty, tart, refreshing	Fall parties, cocktail hours

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 165
Sugar: 20g (may vary based on cider and sugar used)
Carbohydrates: 21g
Alcohol: 7g (rough estimate for one mug with bourbon)
Fat & Protein: Negligible

Enjoy responsibly. Adjust sugar and bourbon for preferred sweetness and strength.

Tips for Hosting with Mulled Cider

Keep it warm: Use a slow cooker or heat-safe beverage dispenser for parties.
Make it ahead: Prepare the cider up to a day in advance and gently reheat before serving. Add bourbon just before serving for best flavor.
Garnish bar: Set out bowls of extra cinnamon sticks, citrus slices, or cranberries so guests can customize their mugs.
Offer options: Provide a non-alcoholic batch for kids and those avoiding alcohol.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make mulled cider with bourbon in the slow cooker?

A: Yes. Combine all ingredients except the bourbon in a slow cooker on low for 2–3 hours. Add bourbon just before serving and let it warm through for 10–15 minutes.

Q: Is it possible to use store-bought apple juice instead of cider?

A: Apple juice is sweeter and less complex than cider, but can be used in a pinch—consider adding more spices and reducing sugar to balance sweetness.

Q: Which bourbons work best in this recipe?

A: Use a mid-range bourbon with balanced oak and vanilla flavors. Overly peaty or spicy bourbons can dominate the drink; classic brands like Maker’s Mark, Bulleit, or Woodford Reserve are reliable options.

Q: Can I make it in advance?

A: Absolutely. The cider base can be made ahead and refrigerated. Reheat gently, and add bourbon just before serving to maintain its nuanced flavor and aroma.

Q: What are some creative garnishes for party presentation?

A: Try skewered apple and orange slices, a rim of cinnamon-sugar on mugs, or floating star anise for visual appeal and extra fragrance.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate any remaining cider (with or without bourbon) in a sealed container for up to 2–3 days.
Reheat gently over low heat before serving, or enjoy chilled for a different twist.
Strain out fruit and spices if storing longer, as these can break down and alter texture and flavor.

Additional Apple Cider Cocktails to Try

Wassail: A traditional hot punch using cider, wine, citrus, and spices, sometimes with brandy or bourbon added for warmth.
Apple Cider Mojito: A fresh, minty cocktail combining apple cider, lime, mint, and rum—great for early fall parties.
Caramel Apple Mimosa: Sparkling wine with apple cider and caramel syrup, ideal for brunches and celebrations.
Wine Apple Cider Cocktail: Red or white wine simmered with cider and spices for a sophisticated twist on the cozy classic.

Experimenting with these recipes can bring a festive flair to any autumn meal or event.

Conclusion

Mulled cider with bourbon is far more than a drink—it’s a seasonal ritual that binds friends and family together. Its wafting aroma and sweet-spiced warmth capture the very essence of fall and the holidays. Make a pot for your next gathering and watch chilly nights transform into cherished memories around the table.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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