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Cozy Slow Cooker Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail – Easy & Perfect

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This cozy slow cooker bourbon apple cider cocktail is a warm, spiced, and slightly sweet drink that fills your home with an incredible fall aroma. Simply combine bourbon, apple cider, spices, and fruit in a slow cooker and let it work its magic for a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing cocktail.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups apple cider (not apple juice)
  • 1 cup bourbon (such as Bulleit or Maker’s Mark)
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks (plus extra for garnish)
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 3 star anise pods (optional)
  • 1 orange, sliced into rounds (peel on)
  • 1 apple, sliced into thin rounds (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish, optional)
  • Extra cinnamon sticks (for garnish, optional)
  • Orange peel twists (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your fruit: Wash the orange and apple thoroughly. Slice the orange into rounds about 1/4-inch thick. Do the same with the apple. Leave the peels on.
  2. Combine the liquids: Pour the apple cider, bourbon, and maple syrup into the slow cooker. Stir gently with a wooden spoon to combine.
  3. Add the spices: Toss in the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise pods.
  4. Add the fruit: Lay the orange and apple slices on top of the liquid.
  5. Stir in the brown sugar: Sprinkle the brown sugar over everything and give it one more gentle stir.
  6. Set and forget: Put the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to LOW for 2 to 3 hours. If in a hurry, you can do HIGH for 1 hour, but low and slow is better.
  7. Taste and adjust: After 2 hours, give it a taste. Add more maple syrup for sweetness or more bourbon for a stronger kick.
  8. Serve warm: Ladle into mugs, making sure to include a slice of orange or apple in each cup. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig or a cinnamon stick for stirring.

Notes

Don’t overdo the cloves—stick to 4 to 6 max. Low heat is best; high heat can make bourbon taste harsh and spices bitter. Stir once halfway through. Once done, switch to WARM setting to keep at perfect drinking temperature. Strain if you prefer a clear drink. Apple cider is non-negotiable; do not substitute apple juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker cocktail, bourbon apple cider, fall cocktail, warm cocktail, holiday drink, apple cider cocktail, slow cooker drink

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