Winter Wonderland Bourbon Cider

This Winter Wonderland Bourbon Cider is a delightful and festive cocktail that captures the essence of the holiday season. The homemade spiced cranberry syrup, combined with the warmth of whiskey bourbon and the sweetness of apple cider, creates a perfect blend of flavors that will bring comfort and joy to any gathering during the winter months.

Winter Wonderland Bourbon Cider

A festive cocktail featuring homemade spiced cranberry syrup, whiskey bourbon, and apple cider, creating the perfect blend of holiday flavors.

4.29 from 96 votes
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Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 20 mins

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup sugar (or honey, agave, or pure maple syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 2 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 1 whole star anise
  • 1" piece of ginger, sliced
  • 2 ounces whiskey bourbon
  • 2 ounces apple cider
  • Sparkling water, for topping
  • 3 tablespoons coarse sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and rosemary, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, water, sugar, orange zest, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and ginger.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the syrup thickens.
  3. Remove the saucepan from heat and discard the whole spices, ginger, and rosemary.
  4. For the sugared rim, combine the cinnamon and sugar on a small plate. Rub the cocktail glass with a thin layer of honey or syrup, then dip the glass in the cinnamon sugar.
  5. Fill the glass with ice, add 2-3 tablespoons of the cranberry syrup, bourbon, and apple cider.
  6. Top with sparkling water and garnish with an orange slice, cinnamon stick, and sprig of rosemary.