Drinks

Cider with a Buzz

Serves 8 to 10

A fall favorite from chef John Currence

October/November 2013

photo: Lara Tomlin

“I am not sure who the bartender was at City Grocery about fifteen years ago who commandeered a Farmer Brothers’ glass coffeepot and started making the City Grocery Spiced Cider, but I do know I want to kiss him. There is very little on this earth better on a cold night than combining warm apple cider and bourbon with a blend of exotic spices. The smell fills the room, and more than a couple of these will put you on your backside. Believe…” —John Currence

Ingredients

- 4 cups apple cider
- Peel of 1/2 medium orange
- Peel of 1 lemon
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 4 whole cloves
- 3 allspice berries
- 2 cups W. L. Weller bourbon
- Lemon twists, for garnish
- Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish

Preparation

Combine the cider, orange and lemon peels, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice berries in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Decrease the heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let steep for 7 to 10 minutes.

Strain the liquid into a coffeepot, discard the solids, and add the bourbon. Serve warm in coffee mugs with a twist of lemon and grated nutmeg.

Recipe from Pickles, Pigs & Whiskey Andrews McMeel Publishing