Boozy Apple Cider A La Mode

The best part about fall and winter is a warm drink. Boozy mulled apple cider comes in at the top of my list for most perfect chilly weather cocktail. The aroma of apple and spice is so delightful and mulling cider is one of my favorite domestic activities this time of year. The scent fills the house and makes all my worries melt away! I guess the bourbon helps with that too. I’ve recreated a classic mulled cider and made this Boozy Apple Cider A La Mode by adding bourbon, vanilla liqueur, and fresh whipped cream. It’s like a warm piece of apple pie in a glass!

Boozy Apple Cider A La Mode, serves one

1 1/2 oz. bourbon
1/2 oz. Licor 43
mulled apple cider
sweet whipped heavy cream
freshly grated nutmeg

Mulled Cider

2 quarts apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
2 whole allspice berries
2 whole cloves
2 whole star anise
1 orange thinly sliced

To mull your cider, place all ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a simmer. I let it simmer for 10 minutes to really bring out all the spices. If you have allspice liqueur on hand, you can add a 1/2 oz. of that as well, but it’s optional. I like adding it to take the spice element up a notch! Spoon or strain out the spices.

Now it’s time to get your whipped cream ready! Add your heavy cream to a bowl and add some sugar to taste. I like to whip the cream by hand because it gets too fluffy when I use a stand or hand mixer. You want it to be stiff enough to float on top of the drink but still pourable. I whipped mine with a whisk for a few minutes. How I test to make sure it’s the right consistency is I drop a dab of it on the back of my hand. If it doesn’t roll off, it’s ready. I like to sweeten my cream with some amaretto or faretti liqueur too. It gives the cream some flavor and who doesn’t want some booze in their cream? It adds some nuttiness to the drink and complements the rest of the ingredients.

The best part about this drink is the assembly. It’s so easy! Add your Licor 43 and bourbon to your serving vessel and then pour the hot mulled apple cider on top. Stir to incorporate and then float your whipped cream on top slowly. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg. Sip and enjoy!

This is a very simple recipe that can be thrown together in a matter of minutes. It’s perfect for hosting a fall-themed party, serving by the fire, accompanying dessert at Thanksgiving, or if you’re just looking for something seasonal to unwind with. Licor 43 is made from 43 different ingredients, including vanilla, citrus, and other fruits, as well as aromatic herbs and spices. I love using it for fall and winter cocktails because of the vanilla flavor it adds. It pairs perfectly with bourbon and the freshly mulled cider and made the drink really taste like apple pie. This Boozy Apple Cider A La Mode is soothing, sweet and has just the right amount of spice to it. What’s your favorite way to stay warm? I’m looking forward to having a few of these on the cold days ahead. Cheers and happy mulling! xo Natalie

Credits // Author and Photography: Natalie Jacob. Photos edited with A Color Story Desktop.