Chef Donna was in the kitchen this morning ,whipping up an apple cider and bourbon mulled cocktail. http://www.theresachefinmykitchen.com/
Recipe: Apple Cider & Bourbon Mulled Cocktail
Serves 6 to 8
This is a terrific little way to make a super-delicious cocktail by mulling spices with a splash of maple syrup and bourbon! Finish it off with sparkling apple cider and you’ve got a warm, sparkling festive drink perfect for the holiday season. If you don’t have all the spices or ingredients on hand, don’t hesitate to add in your own flavor components. If the spices smell good together, they’ll probably taste god together!
Ingredients
For the mulling spices
2 long peels from a navel orange (use only peel, not bitter white pith; use vegetable peeler to remove)
1 cinnamon stick snapped into a few pieces
2 or 3 cloves
2 pieces candied ginger
1 vanilla bean (substitute some vanilla paste or vanilla extract)
1 cup apple cider
1 ½ to 2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 ounces bourbon
Sparkling Apple cider, to top off (substitute club soda or sparkling water)
Lemon slices, to garnish
Preparation
Combine the mulling spices with the apple cider, maple syrup and bourbon into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes (so the bourbon can cook off). Remove from the heat and let steep for at least 15 minutes.
Place about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into a glass. Top off with Sparkling Cider. Add a lemon slice and serve. Can be served warm or pour over ice.