I’m not really into the pumpkin recipes that I’ve been seeing everywhere now that fall is in full swing. But I’ll take apple pie, apple crisp, or apple cider any day of the week. Apple cider is even better warm, and with whiskey or bourbon. So I whipped up this cocktail using Whippersnapper Whiskey, which is made in Portland. I’m sure any whiskey or bourbon would be nice in it, though.
Spiced Maple Whiskey Cider Cocktail
(Adapted from this recipe and this recipe)
Makes 2 drinks
- 3 oz. whiskey
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- About an inch of fresh ginger, chopped*
- Additional spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg (optional)
- Thinly sliced apple and star anise for garnish (optional)
In a pot on the stove, heat the lemon juice, maple syrup, apple cider, and ginger, and any optional spices. When the mixture is hot, strain out the spices and add the whiskey. Pour into mugs or glasses and garnish with a slice of apple and star anise.
*A note about the spices: I used Trader Joe’s spiced apple cider, plus I added fresh ginger, and I thought it was great. But my husband found it a bit too spicy, so depending on your spice tolerance you might want to leave it out/cut it down.
Bottoms up! Have a great weekend!
