Name: Maple Bourbon Apple Cider Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 L apple cider; 2 orange slices; 2 lemon slices; 2 cinnamon sticks; 8-10 whole cloves; 3 whole star anise; 4 tbsp maple syrup; 6 oz bourbon (about 1 oz per serving); Extra cinnamon sticks and star anise for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 8 reviews

There’s something truly magical about the cozy, spicy warmth of a perfectly crafted hot drink on a chilly day, and that’s exactly why I’m so excited to share my Maple Bourbon Apple Cider Recipe with you. This isn’t just any spiced cider – it’s beautifully balanced with real maple syrup sweetness and a splash of bourbon that adds that extra comforting kick. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or hosting friends for a relaxing evening, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to keep coming back to.

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Why This Recipe Works

Warm and Inviting Flavors: The combination of cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and citrus creates a layered spice profile that’s both bright and cozy.
Natural Sweetness: Maple syrup adds rich, mellow sweetness that’s much better than refined sugar for depth and complexity.
Perfect Bourbon Kick: Adding bourbon individually to each serving lets you control the strength and keeps the cider deliciously fresh.
Easy to Make and Scale: Simple ingredients and a straightforward simmer mean this recipe fits any gathering, big or small, with minimal fuss.

A clear glass cup filled with warm brown spiced tea sits on a round wooden slab with bark edges, acting as a coaster. The tea has a star-shaped star anise floating on its surface and a long cinnamon stick resting horizontally across the top of the cup. Around the slab are scattered dried orange slices and more star anise. Green pine branches with hints of snow and clusters of red berries frame the scene on the white marbled surface below. The image comes across cozy and festive. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a starring role in this Maple Bourbon Apple Cider Recipe. Buying fresh and good-quality items, especially the apple cider and spices, can make a huge difference in the final flavor. I always recommend picking a naturally pressed cider without added sugar or preservatives to let the spices shine.

Apple cider: Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the best natural sweetness and flavor complexity.
Orange slices: They add a fresh citrus aroma that balances the warmth of the spices and bourbon.
Lemon slices: The bright acidity here cuts through the sweetness and adds a little zing.
Cinnamon sticks: Whole sticks release a gentle, woody warmth when simmered slowly—don’t skip this!
Whole cloves: These tiny spices pack a punch, so use them sparingly for subtle spiced notes.
Star anise: This gorgeous spice brings an exotic licorice hint that’s unexpected but delightful.
Maple syrup: Choose a good quality pure maple syrup for natural sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.
Bourbon: Pick your favorite bourbon – it’s the heart of this cocktail, adding warmth and depth with each sip.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Maple Bourbon Apple Cider Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I’ve tried it with various tweaks over the years, depending on the season and my mood, and I’m always impressed by how well it adapts.

Maple substitution: I’ve swapped maple syrup for honey on occasion for a floral sweetness, which is lovely but different—you might prefer one over the other.
Spice adjustments: If you’re sensitive to cloves or star anise, you can reduce or omit them; the cinnamon does most of the heavy lifting anyway.
Bourbon-free version: For family-friendly gatherings, just omit the bourbon and keep the drink cozy and comforting without the alcohol.
More citrus zing: Sometimes I’ll add a splash of fresh orange juice or a few extra lemon slices if I want it a bit brighter.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Bourbon Apple Cider Recipe

Step 1: Simmer the Spices and Citrus

Start by pouring 2 liters of apple cider into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Toss in your orange and lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer—don’t rush this part because you want the flavors to infuse slowly. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it steep for about 30 minutes. This slow infusion is key to getting that deep, layered taste without bitterness.

Step 2: Sweeten with Maple Syrup and Strain

After the cider has gently simmered and absorbed all those wonderful spices, it’s time to sweeten things up. Add around 4 tablespoons of maple syrup, but I always taste as I go since some ciders are naturally sweeter than others. Once sweetened, carefully strain out the citrus and spices so your cider is smooth and ready to serve.

Step 3: Pour Bourbon & Serve Warm

For the best experience, I pour about 1 ounce of bourbon into each mug individually, then top it off with the hot cider. This keeps the bourbon’s flavor fresh and perfectly balanced. Don’t forget a cinnamon stick and star anise for garnish—it looks pretty and adds aroma right at the rim.

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Pro Tips for Making Maple Bourbon Apple Cider Recipe

Low and Slow Infusing: Keep the heat low when steeping to avoid turning your cider bitter from overcooked citrus or spices.
Taste as You Sweeten: Apple cider sweetness varies a lot, so add maple syrup gradually and sample often to hit just the right note.
Individual Bourbon Addition: Adding bourbon to each cup separately helps maintain fresh flavor and prevents the alcohol from cooking off.
Use Whole Spices: Whole cinnamon, cloves, and star anise give a cleaner, more delicate flavor than ground spices, and they’re easy to fish out afterward.

How to Serve Maple Bourbon Apple Cider Recipe

A clear glass cup filled with warm brown tea is placed on a round wooden slab with rough bark edges. On top of the tea floats a single star anise, and a cinnamon stick rests horizontally on the rim of the cup. The slab is decorated with dried orange slices and more star anise scattered around. The setting includes pine cones, green fir branches with bright red berries, all arranged on a white marbled surface, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my maple bourbon apple cider with a cinnamon stick and a star anise pod. It’s a simple touch that looks beautiful and enhances the aroma while you sip. If you want, you can also float a thin orange slice or a few fresh cranberries for colorful flair and extra festive vibes.

Side Dishes

This drink pairs wonderfully with flavors that echo its warmth—think soft cheese platters, spiced nuts, or classic fall treats like gingerbread or pumpkin muffins. I’ve often served it alongside roasted autumn vegetables or even a warm apple crisp for a delightful seasonal spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For small gatherings, I sometimes serve the cider in clear mugs or little mason jars with twine wrapped around and a cinnamon stick tied on as a cute rustic touch. You could also set up a “make your own cider” bar with different garnishes and bourbon or non-alcoholic options to let guests mix and match flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store the cider without bourbon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, so it can actually taste even better the next day!

Freezing

I wouldn’t recommend freezing the cider because the spices and citrus might turn bitter or change texture after thawing. Instead, I freeze leftover bourbon separately if needed for future cocktails.

Reheating

When reheating, warm your cider gently over low heat—avoid boiling to keep flavors bright and balanced. Add bourbon freshly to each mug rather than heating it together to preserve its character and warmth.

FAQs

Can I make Maple Bourbon Apple Cider Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bourbon and serve the cider as is, or add a splash of sparkling water or non-alcoholic bourbon alternative for a festive feel. The warm spices and maple syrup ensure it’s delicious on its own.
How long can I keep the spiced cider before serving?

The spiced apple cider can be kept warm on the stove over low heat for up to an hour before serving. If you need to make it ahead, refrigerate after brewing and gently reheat when ready.
What type of bourbon works best for this recipe?

I prefer a smooth, medium-bodied bourbon with hints of vanilla and caramel, which meld nicely with the maple and spices. But honestly, your favorite bottle will work great!
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Combine all ingredients except bourbon in a slow cooker and heat on low for 1-2 hours for easy prep. Add bourbon to each cup when serving to avoid cooking off the alcohol.

Final Thoughts

I can’t tell you how many chilly evenings this Maple Bourbon Apple Cider Recipe has brightened up for me. It’s an effortless way to feel cozy, festive, and a little indulged all at once. I hope you enjoy making (and sipping) it as much as I do—it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on hand all through fall and winter. So cozy up, pour yourself a mug, and savor every warm, spiced sip. Cheers to great flavors and great company!