TUESDAY TIPPLE: Heat Up Fall

A couple of weekends ago, I professed my love for all things fall that involve apples. Here is another one! One of my favorite cocktails to make when I entertain on chilly fall nights is mulled cider, spiked with bourbon. A few sips of my signature cold weather concoction will warm your guests right up. It is easy to make and a single batch is fit for a crowd. Keep the bourbon out of it and you’ve got a fun kid friendly drink. But we can’t let the kids have all the fun! So, grab some fresh cider and a bottle of your favorite bourbon for an almost party in a pot!

Boozy Cider (Photo from www.respectnatural.files.wordpress.com)

In my humble opinion, bourbon and apples are a match made in heaven. Their flavors work well together and play nicely with various warm spices and citrus fruit. Bourbon has hints of caramel, cinnamon and allspice in it already. Why not play things up a bit? Make sure to get fresh cider, widely available this time of year at the farmers markets or in the produce section of your favorite store. And most importantly, don’t skimp on the bourbon. Use something that you yourself would enjoy sipping on its own.

Tatiana’s Signature Boozy Cider

2 quarts apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
2 whole allspice berries
2 whole cloves
1 whole star anise
1/4 tsp of freshly grated nutmeg
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 orange, thinly sliced
Bourbon to taste (wink, wink!)

Place all ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a simmer. Divide among individual mugs, splash in as much bourbon as one desires and serve while hot garnished with cinnamon stick.

Heat up fall with this boozy cider!

Written by Food Editor ~ Gourmet Rambler

Tatiana is better known by her twitter handle, Gourmet Rambler. She is a bon vivant and a connoisseur of all things delectable ~ whether a gorgeous bottle of wine, an exquisitely elaborate meal, fresh farmer’s market produce or unique and unusual ingredients. Tatiana is an adamant advocate for the artistry of a chef, local and seasonal products. A chef once said: “There is a way that everyone else eats. And then there is this whole other world of how Gourmet Rambler eats.” Lover of Chicago, experienced diner, wine maven and home chef. Sassy and stubborn. That is why we love having Gourmet Rambler as our Food Editor!

Tatiana is a contributor to FOOD FRIDAY on theBrideScoop where she writes about her dining adventures.

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