Hot Spiked Apple Cider | Recipe

One of my fondest childhood Thanksgiving memories is hot apple cider in a crockpot at my Grandma’s mountain home. It is one of the things I look forward to the most around the holidays. It is absolutely perfect for cold nights around the fireplace with the ones you love after a delicious meal - especially when you throw in a shot of bourbon.

While I could make the effort to make homemade apple cider, that is way too much work when there is already so much to do on Thanksgiving. Instead, I’m sharing with you an easy way to add a little extra pizazz to store bought apple cider! It warms the belly, warms the soul, and will hopefully warm the heart of that family member who loves reminding you that you used to be skinny but no longer are.

Enjoy! xoxo

Ingredients

  • Apple Cider (the good murky kind)

  • 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar

  • 1 Tsp Nutmeg

  • 2 Tsp Orange Zest

  • Vanilla Bean

  • Optional: Bourbon

  • Optional: Cool Whip

Directions

  • Pour your apple cider into your crockpot.

  • Add brown sugar, nutmeg, orange zest, and the paste from a vanilla bean. Give it a good stir.

  • Set crockpot to low. It should be nice and warm after an hour or two.

  • Ladle into mugs.

  • If you’re of age, add a shot of bourbon. I’m loyal to Bulleit Bouron and it works perfectly in this. Seriously, it’s incredible.

  • If you want to dress it up, add a dollop of Cool Whip. Kids will love it! Adults will too.

  • Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving! xoxo