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spiked apple cider bourbon slush - featured image

Football Spiked Apple Cider Bourbon Slush


  • Author: Saly
  • Total Time: 1 hour plus freezing time
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

A festive, warm-cold slushy cocktail perfect for game day, made with unsweetened apple cider, bourbon, and aromatic spices. It is easy to make ahead by freezing the mixture and blending it just before serving.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 gallon (3.78 liters) unsweetened apple cider
  • 1.5 to 2 cups (350-475ml) bourbon whiskey
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) apple brandy or applejack
  • 34 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) simple syrup (optional, based on cider tartness)
  • Thin apple slices for garnish
  • Cinnamon sticks for garnish
  • Cinnamon sugar for rimming glasses (1/4 cup sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon)
  • Cold water or soda water (as needed for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Place cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and peppercorns in a small mesh bag or tie them in cheesecloth.
  2. Pour the apple cider into a large pot or glass pitcher and add the spice bag.
  3. If using heat, warm the cider gently on low heat for 10 minutes without boiling. Alternatively, steep in the fridge for 2 hours.
  4. Remove and discard the spice bag.
  5. Add the bourbon and apple brandy to the cider and stir well.
  6. Taste the mixture and adjust with lemon juice (for tartness) or simple syrup (for sweetness) as needed.
  7. Pour the mixture into a large, shallow freezer-safe tray or pan, spreading it to a depth of 1-2 inches.
  8. Freeze for 4-6 hours or overnight until the mixture is solid but pliable.
  9. Break the frozen sheet into chunks.
  10. Place chunks into a blender or food processor and pulse until a coarse, slushy texture is achieved. Work in batches.
  11. If the slush is too thick, add a splash of cold water or club soda.
  12. Rim glasses with cinnamon sugar by rubbing with a lemon wedge and dipping into the sugar mix.
  13. Fill glasses with the slush and garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
  14. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh, unsweetened apple cider for the best flavor. The mixture can be frozen in advance for up to one month. For a virgin version, omit the bourbon and apple brandy and add extra cider or water. Adjust sweetness based on the tartness of your cider.

  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Cocktail
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup slush
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 18
  • Carbohydrates: 22

Keywords: football recipe, game day drinks, spiked apple cider, bourbon slush, fall cocktail, easy party drinks, frozen cocktails, autumn recipes