Hot Maple Bourbon Apple Cider

Two of my little sisters and I were texting back and forth last weekend. Christina, who lives in Virginia, sent us a photo of a gallon jug of dark Grade B maple syrup we had given her upside down over an empty jar to drain the very last bits of what was in there so she wouldn’t waste anything. I suggested she put some bourbon in there and shake it around to make sure she got everything. Her husband, Kevin, suggested putting that bourbon into apple cider. My sister then said, “Hot Maple Bourbon Apple Cider instead of hot buttered rum?” And, well, if you get uncomfortable looking at, discussing, or drinking very indulgent things, you may want to look away. Because we did that. We made Hot Maple Bourbon Apple Cider and declared ourselves a collective genius.

The reasons Hot Maple Bourbon Apple Cider works so very well are multitude. First, is there any scent more evocative of fall than a jug of fresh apple cider? It’s almost like apples are fighting to burst out of it. Bourbon. Well, shoot. Smoky, oaky, and with a little caramel, it’s a natural with just enough fire to warm you from the toes to your head from the inside out.

My friends, dark Grade B maple syrup deserves its own paragraph. I’ve discussed the merits of why it’s simply better than, fancy, Grade A or amber maple syrup before –here, here, and here– but it bears repeating. Dark Grade B maple syrup is usually made at the end of sugaring season, is far more intense,  and is significantly more flavourful. It has more of the classic maple taste and if you haven’t had it before, trying it is a revelation. It doesn’t take quite as much of dark Grade B to infuse whatever you’re making with that distinctive maple flavour.

I suppose you could call the fresh whipped cream and grated nutmeg that I love on top of this optional. It certainly yields a less full-throttled indulgent drink. On the other hand, if you’re gearing up for entertaining and the holidays, I can’t think of a better welcome than a steaming hot mug or glass of Hot Maple Bourbon Apple Cider with a giant cap of whipped cream and dusting of nutmeg stuffed in someone’s hand. Tell me… which way do you think you’d prefer it?

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Hot Maple Bourbon Apple Cider

Author Rebecca Lindamood

Ingredients

Per Hot Maple Bourbon Apple Cider:

• 1 tablespoon dark maple syrup Grade B
• 8 ounces fresh apple cider not spiced
• 3 tablespoons bourbon

Optional:

• Fresh whipped cream
• freshly grated nutmeg

Instructions

1. Heat the maple syrup and apple cider together in a microwave safe mug or in a small saucepan until steam rises from the top. Add the bourbon to a highball glass or mug. Pour the hot cider over the bourbon. If desired, top with fresh whipped cream and grated nutmeg. Serve immediately.