Bourbon Caramel Apple Cider is the perfect spiked, cozy fall and winter drink that's ready in under 10 minutes with just three ingredients.
This spiked warm cider will make you feel warm and fuzzy in more ways than one. And, with just three ingredients, it couldn't be simpler to make. There are also only three steps to make it: just add the ingredients to a saucepan or mug, heat, and stir! I created this boozy apple cider recipe on the stove-top but you could also make it in the microwave if that preparation better suits your situation. Let's get into the delicious details!
If you love warm spiked drinks for fall and winter, try these recipes, too.
What Do I Need for Bourbon Caramel Cider?
To make this easy spiked apple cider recipe, you'll only need three core ingredients and a couple of suggested garnishes.
- Pre-mixed Apple Cider - Look for it in the produce section at your grocery store on on the juice aisle.
- Caramel Candies - They're typically individually wrapped and on the baking or candy aisle.
- Bourbon
- Whipped Cream (optional garnish)
- Cinnamon (optional garnish)
What kind of bourbon can I add to apple cider? Use your favorite bottle for this! I like Brough Brothers Bourbon or Bulleit Bourbon or Hudson Baby Bourbon when I'm feeling especially fancy, in my cup.
And whipped cream is listed as an optional garnish in the full recipe card below but you should definitely do it. As the whipped cream melts into the warm cider, the creaminess collides with the sweet, spiced, bourbon-y flavors to make pure magic, y'all.
In my circle of friends, I'm known for mixing up silent but deadly cocktails, meaning the alcohol doesn't slap you in the face but will sneak up on you and put your on your you-know-what after a while. 🙂 This is one of those drinks. Of course, you can feel free to dial back the bourbon as you see fit. As a whiskey lover, I think it's just right.
Bourbon Cider How-To Video
Tools for this Recipe
What tools do I need to make hot cider on the stove? In addition to the ease and quickness of this apple whiskey cider, you won't need any special tools to make it! Grab a small saucepan to heat the cider and caramel together, a jigger or a shot glass for the bourbon, and a kitchen spoon for stirring. As far as serving the cider, I like to sip mine from crystal clear glass mugs for aesthetic or my go-to Rich Auntie Mug.
And if you are already a fan of my red wine hot chocolate, you'll love this warm, autumnal concoction. It's an ultra cozy drink and, although it doesn't taste extremely boozy, it is potent--so sip responsibly. 🙂 Here are a few more whiskey drinks to try, too:
- Brown Sugar Pineapple Whiskey Sipper
- Bubbly Bourbon & Berry Drink
- Whiskey Champagne Cocktail
- The Kentucky Mule
Best believe I'll have a mug of spiked caramel cider in hand on many more occasions throughout the upcoming holiday season. I'm actually sipping some as I type this. 🙂 The temperatures dropped this morning and it just felt like the perfect day to curl up on the couch with a mug. I hope you enjoy a mug yourself--and let me know how you like it. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this bourbon caramel apple cider recipe on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
P.S. Bourbon is not just for drinks around here:
Boozy Apple Cider Recipe
Bourbon Caramel Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider
- ½ cup bourbon whiskey
- 12 caramel candies unwrapped
- whipped cream optional garnish
- cinnamon optional garnish
Instructions
- Add apple cider and caramel to a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Stirring regularly, heat mixture until caramels melt then lower heat (about two minutes).
- Once cider reaches a uniform consistency (about two minutes), turn off heat then stir in bourbon.
- Divide cider evenly between two mugs and garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon, if desired. Enjoy carefully and responsibly!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
kage2015 says
Looks so creamy and delicious. We could make a adult version and a kids version and everyone would be happy.
Jazz says
Yes, you definitely could! I love the creaminess that the whipped cream and caramel add.
Robin says
I love this recipe because it only has 3 ingredients, you can make it in the microwave and it tastes amazing!
Susannah says
Looks delicious! Perfect for fall!
Sami Summers says
This looks and sounds amazing. I'd definitely have to make a virgin version until next Christmas. I'm excited to try it!
loveyoumoretoo says
This is my kind of apple cider for sure. Wow. My husband would also love it. Thanks for the recipe. Saving it.
Jazz says
Thanks, I hope you love it.
annelawton says
The perfect beverage for this time of year!
Lesley Barsh-Pike says
Headed to store as soon as I post this. My sister and I worked in the adult beverage industry for more than 18 years. We are at a point that this is definitely more what we want as an adult beverage. We are retired and I am pleased to find your page. You make up the recipes and we will try them!!
Jazz says
Thanks so much, Leslie! I hope y’all love it.
Angie Callbeck says
Doesn't the booze cook out if it's heated on the stove?
Jazz says
I thought it would but you’re not cooking for very long (just long enough to melt the caramel) and I certainly still tasted and felt the bourbon in the finished product. To be sure, you could always heat the cider and caramel then just add the bourbon to your mug.
Tanya says
I'm a huge fan of silent but deadly cocktails. I'll be sipping on this at nighttime. Thanks for the great recipe!
Jazz says
This is definitely silent but deadly. It's so cozy and creamy that you don't immediately notice the bourbon!
Charla says
This drink reminds me of a pumpkin spice latte. It definitely has that classical autumnal theme to it.
Jayne Rain says
I already love this recipe, and I haven't even tried it yet. I will be trying this one tonight, can’t wait to dig in.
Jazz says
I hope you love it!
SHANIKA says
Yum! Bourbon is a flavor that I have yet to try, but it sounds like such a great addition to most things! This apple cider looks so good!
Food Fidelity says
Wow, I needed this during my Chicago years!. I love them bourbon + cider combo.
Aubrey says
Bourbon and apple cider?! I’m 100% down. Recipe saved ✊?
Marta says
Okay, so I might have enjoyed this apple cider a LEETLE too much. But, no worries! I sacrificed so I can let all your other readers know it is buttery, delicious, and potent. LOL!
Adri Ruff says
This is exactly what my fall needed. As a fan of both cider and bourbon this was the perfect excuse to mix the two. Absolutely delicious.
Eric & Shanna Jones says
We are bourbon lovers so I knew we had to try this. The end result...amazing! We've already made this a few times!
Chenée Lewis says
This cider was perfect-- warming and comforting on a chilly fall night! And so easy to make!
Mila says
This was just the cup of warmth I needed to kick off "first fall" in Houston! SO good, Jazz!
Mila says
This was just the cup of warmth I needed to kick off “first fall” in Houston! SO good, Jazz!
Tamara says
I am so happy I found your recipe! I had one of these drinks at a friends house a few years ago, and have been craving it ever since. It was so delicious!
Britney says
I made this for girls night and everyone loved it including myself! The combo of caramel apple and bourbon is out of this world!
Nyra says
This hot bourbon cider is a hit in my home! I had friends over this weekend and made everyone a mug (cut the serving size in half) and they were all so impressed!