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Cozy Spiked Apple Cider Sangria: Easy 5-Minute Party Drink

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A warm, spicy, and forgiving spiked apple cider sangria that combines fresh-pressed cider with bourbon or rye whiskey and autumn spices. Perfect for game day, holidays, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 gallon (3.78 liters) fresh-pressed cloudy apple cider
  • 2–3 cups (473–710 ml) Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
  • 4–5 large cinnamon sticks
  • 3 star anise pods
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 2 oranges, sliced into rounds
  • 2 apples (mix of tart and sweet, e.g., Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
  • 2–4 tablespoons Honey or Maple Syrup (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Wash oranges and apples thoroughly. Slice oranges into thin rounds and core/apples into thin wedges. Set aside.
  2. Pour apple cider into a large pot or slow cooker. Add cinnamon sticks, star anise, and whole cloves. Stir gently.
  3. If using a stove, heat cider on medium-low until warm. Do not boil. If using a slow cooker, add everything at once and set to low.
  4. Add sliced oranges and apples to the warm cider. Let steep for 15-20 minutes to release juices.
  5. Keep cider warm for another 30 minutes on low heat. Do not let it simmer vigorously. Stir occasionally.
  6. Remove pot from heat (if using stove) or wait until the last 30 minutes (if using slow cooker). Stir in the bourbon or whiskey. Do not boil after adding alcohol.
  7. Taste the drink. Add honey or maple syrup if needed, or more cider if too strong.
  8. Ladle into mugs or glasses, ensuring each serving gets fruit and a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Do not boil the alcohol after adding it, as it will evaporate. Use whole spices rather than ground to avoid grittiness. For a non-alcoholic version, omit the whiskey. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently without boiling.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider sangria, spiked cider, fall drinks, party punch, bourbon cocktail, mulled cider, game day drinks, cozy drinks, whiskey cider

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/cozy-spiked-apple-cider-sangria-easy-5-minute-party-drink/