To make the Spiced Cider & Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail, you will need a few ingredients and equipment. The ingredients include bourbon whiskey, spiced apple cider, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and fresh rosemary for garnish. The equipment needed to prepare this cocktail includes a cocktail shaker, a standard whiskey glass, and ice.

This cocktail can be prepared in just a few easy steps. First, add bourbon, simple syrup, cranberry juice, spiced apple cider, and crushed ice to a cocktail shaker. Then, shake the mixture vigorously for 30 seconds. Next, strain the mixture into a standard whiskey glass filled with ice cubes. Finally, garnish the cocktail with a fresh sprig of rosemary and/or a cinnamon stick.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 1 ounce bourbon
• 1 ounce cranberry juice
• 3 ounces spiced apple cider
• 1 fresh sprig rosemary
• 1 cinnamon stick

Directions:

1. In cocktail shaker add bourbon, simple syrup, cranberry juice, spiced apple cider and crushed ice.
2. Secure the cocktail shaker lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
3. Strain into a standard whiskey glass filled with ice cubes.
4. Garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary and a cinnamon stick.
5. Serve.

Garnishing Ingredients

The garnishing ingredients are used to add the finishing touches to the cocktail. These include:

• Rosemary Sprigs: These are used to garnish the cocktail and add a fresh, herbal flavor to the drink.
• Cinnamon Sticks: These are also used as a garnish and add a warm, spicy aroma to the cocktail.
• Fresh Cranberries: These are used to add a pop of color to the cocktail and make it look more festive.

Cooking Equipment

To make a Spiced Cider & Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail, you will need a few pieces of cooking equipment. Here are the items you will need:

• Saucepan: You will need a saucepan to heat up the spiced apple cider before mixing it with the bourbon and other ingredients.
• Cutting Board and Knife: You will need a cutting board and a knife to cut the rosemary and cinnamon stick for garnish.
• Measuring Cup and Spoons: You will need measuring cups and spoons to ensure that you are using the correct amount of ingredients.

Cocktail Mixing Equipment

To mix the Spiced Cider & Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail, you will need the following cocktail mixing equipment:

• Cocktail Shaker: You will need a cocktail shaker to mix the bourbon, cranberry juice, spiced apple cider, and other ingredients together.
• Strainer: You will need a strainer to strain the cocktail mixture into a glass.
• Whiskey Glass: You will need a standard whiskey glass to serve the cocktail.
• Ice: You will need ice to chill the cocktail and keep it cold.

Overall, the equipment needed to make a Spiced Cider & Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is relatively simple and easy to find. With the right tools, you can create a delicious cocktail that is perfect for any occasion.

Steps to Prepare Homemade Spiced Cider

Spiced Cider & Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is a perfect drink for fall and winter. It is a combination of bourbon, cranberry juice, spiced apple cider, rosemary, and cinnamon. Here are the steps to prepare Spiced Cider:

1. In a cocktail shaker, add 1 ounce of bourbon, 1 ounce of cranberry juice, 3 ounces of spiced apple cider, 1 fresh sprig of rosemary, and 1 cinnamon stick.
2. Add crushed ice to the cocktail shaker.
3. Secure the cocktail shaker lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a standard whiskey glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish the drink with a fresh sprig of rosemary and a cinnamon stick.

To make the spiced apple cider, you can use store-bought apple cider or make your own by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to apple juice and simmering it for a few minutes.

If you want to make a non-alcoholic version of this drink, you can skip the bourbon and add more spiced apple cider and cranberry juice. You can also substitute ginger ale or soda water for the bourbon.

Spiced Cider & Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is a perfect drink for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests during the holiday season. It is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Glassware

The cocktail can be served in a variety of glassware, but traditionally, a standard whiskey glass is used. However, for a more festive look, consider serving it in a copper mug or a stemless wine glass.

Garnishes

Garnishes can add an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal to the cocktail. A fresh sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick can be added to the glass before serving. For a sweeter taste, a slice of apple or orange can also be used.

Food Pairings

Spiced Cider & Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail pairs well with a variety of foods. Here are some suggestions:

• Cheese platter: The cocktail's warm and spicy notes complement the flavors of different types of cheese, such as brie, cheddar, and gouda.
• Charcuterie board: The cocktail's sweetness and acidity balance well with cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and chorizo.
• Roasted nuts: The cocktail's warm spices pair well with roasted nuts like almonds, pecans, and walnuts.

Serving Tips

To make the cocktail more visually appealing, consider rimming the glass with a mixture of coarse sugar and cinnamon. Simply rub the outside of the glass with honey or syrup, place it upside down on the cinnamon sugar, and rotate to evenly coat.

When serving the cocktail, make sure to shake it well before pouring it into the glass. This will ensure that all the ingredients are well combined and that the cocktail is properly chilled.

Overall, Spiced Cider & Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is a versatile and delicious drink that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of foods. With a few simple touches, it can be transformed into an elegant and festive cocktail that is perfect for any occasion.

Storage and Shelf Life

Once the Spiced Cider & Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is prepared, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it is best to consume it immediately after preparation to enjoy its fresh taste and aroma.

To store the cocktail, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. Before serving, give it a good shake to ensure that the ingredients are well mixed.

If you have leftover ingredients such as spiced apple cider, cranberry juice, or bourbon, they can be stored separately in their original containers. Spiced apple cider and cranberry juice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, while bourbon can be stored at room temperature for a long time.

It is important to note that the shelf life of the ingredients will depend on their quality and freshness. Always check the expiration date and quality of the ingredients before using them to prepare the cocktail.

To ensure the best taste and quality, it is recommended to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Avoid using expired or low-quality ingredients, as they can affect the taste and aroma of the cocktail.

Overall, with proper storage and high-quality ingredients, the Spiced Cider & Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail can be enjoyed for its full shelf life and delicious taste.

Variations and Substitutions

There are several variations and substitutions that can be made to the Spiced Cider & Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail recipe to suit different preferences and occasions. Here are a few suggestions:

• Spices: The recipe calls for cinnamon and rosemary, but other spices can be used to add depth and complexity to the cocktail. For example, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and cardamom can be added to the cider mixture, or a pinch of cayenne pepper can be sprinkled on top for a spicy kick.
• Juices: While cranberry juice is the main ingredient in the cocktail, other juices can be used to complement or replace it. For instance, apple juice, orange juice, pomegranate juice, or grapefruit juice can be used to add sweetness, tartness, or bitterness to the cocktail.
• Liquor: Bourbon is the recommended liquor for the cocktail, but other types of whiskey or brandy can be used as well. For a non-alcoholic version, ginger ale or sparkling water can be used instead of bourbon.
• Sweetener: The recipe calls for simple syrup, but other sweeteners can be used to adjust the sweetness level of the cocktail. For example, honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar can be used instead of simple syrup.
• Garnish: The cocktail can be garnished with various ingredients to enhance its visual appeal and flavor. For instance, orange slices, lemon wedges, apple slices, cranberries, or mint leaves can be used to add color and freshness to the cocktail.

Experimenting with different variations and substitutions can lead to new and exciting flavors and textures. However, it is important to keep the balance of the cocktail in mind and not overdo any one ingredient.