An incredibly easy fall cocktail full of soul-warming flavors – and made with only 3 ingredients!
We’re T-1 day away from Thanksgiving! Less than 24 hours, and I’m sure many of you will be up early to begin the morning preparations and maybe to watch a little bit of the Macy’s Day Parade? Do you watch the parade? Is that a thing people still do?
Growing up my Grandma was obsessed with watching the parade – and to this day continues to ask me if I’ll be watching it. I’ll usually pause the prep, cozy up with a cup of coffee, and sneak a peek of it.
Ok! I digress! Because what we’re really here for is this Apple Cider Vanilla Bean Cocktail – made with bourbon to be exact.
Again…I repeat: I am not a bourbon drinker. I brought it up recently when I shared the Easy Apple Cider Sangria…and Apple Cider Cupcakes with Bourbon Cream Cheese Frosting (there’s definitely a theme of Fall 2018).
The statement is quickly becoming so not true though. I mean, I now have THREE bourbon recipes posted in the same month. There was Bourbon BBQ Wings and Pear Tart with Bourbon Caramel Sauce posted a long time ago, but those were more for Bourbon lovers in my life (even though I loved them, too!).
These cocktails, these are ones I’m happy to drink any day or occasion. Maybe it’s that I’m just becoming attuned to the magical combination of apple cider and bourbon. I know I’m like, way to the game. But better late than never, right?
What’s to love in an Apple Cider Vanilla Bean Cocktail?
Can I just say SO much?
- apple cider
- vanilla beans
- bourbon
THAT’S JUST THREE INGREDIENTS! First thing to love right there.
- super duper easy to make
- soooo adjustable – make one, or serve for a crowd!
- warm, cozy, and comforting!
- it’s already SO DANG COLD here in Minneapolis and I need all the warm drinks. ever.
- did I mention vanilla beans? and apple cider + bourbon? YOU GUYS.
Ok – so you totally need this. Whether it’s tomorrow for a pre-or-post Thanksgiving treat, or over the weekend as you continue to enjoy some family (or alone) time, you need it.
What if I don’t have/want to buy vanilla beans?
I know, vanilla beans can be crazy expensive and maybe you don’t want to go through the hassle of actually scraping out the seeds, etc.
Well, I’m obsessed with vanilla bean paste. It’s just pure vanilla beans in a jar – so no scraping required on your part – but you’ll end up with the beautiful vanilla bean flecks, and a rich, luscious vanilla flavor (hello, Sugar Cookie Cake).
If you’re still like mehhhh on vanilla beans, you can absolutely just use pure vanilla extract. Everything is a 1:1 ratio, so no worries on converting!
Cheers!
You cannot go wrong. Enjoy with someone you love (again, yourself included). I’d love to hear how you enjoy this soul-warming cocktail this season – leave a comment and snap a pic to share on social media!
Get the Recipe Hot Apple Cider Vanilla Bean Cocktail
Ingredients
- 12 oz. apple cider
- 1 vanilla bean, or 1 TBSP vanilla extract/paste
- 3-4 oz. bourbon
Instructions
- Scrape out the vanilla bean and add seeds and emptied pod to a saucepan with apple cider. Whisk together, and bring to a simmer for approximately 5 minutes, until heated through.
- Remove from heat and stir in bourbon. Divide between two heat-proof cocktail cups; serve with a cinnamon stick garnish and/or apple slices.
