by Arkansas Women Bloggers member Tiffany Selvey of Songbird Gardens
Pumpkin spice season is in full-swing. In Arkansas, however, our agricultural history says we should be celebrating the apple instead. It’s apple season and they’re showing up at farmers markets, in pies and in homemade applesauce. Naturally, this tasty ingredient should be included in the cocktail hour.
Hot Buttered Apple Cider is sweet and satisfying. Whether you opt to make the adult or the virgin version, this drink will make you feel warm inside and out. Apple cider is bright and sweet while the spices are warming to the tummy. And there’s butter. Do I even have to get into the benefits of butter? Probably not.
This recipe is a lovely way to wrap up a crisp fall day after working in the garden, or to warm yourself after a chilly football game. Prepare a grown up version for the adults and a virgin version for the kiddos and snuggle under the blankets for an evening movie and simply enjoy the change of seasons.
Hot Buttered Apple Cider (Adult and virgin versions included)
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon molasses
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground dried ginger
- ½ cup bourbon (adult)*
- cinnamon sticks for garnish
*Replace the bourbon with 1 ounce vanilla extract and 3 ounces water for a virgin option.
Instructions
1. Place the butter, molasses, allspice, cinnamon and dried ginger in a small bowl. Combine well.
2. Bring the cider to a simmer over low heat. Once simmering, add the butter mixture.
3. Remove the cider from the stove and whisk in the bourbon. (Never add alcohol to a pan on the stove, particularly when the heat is on.)
4. Pour into glasses and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
5. Serve immediately.
Tiffany Selvey is a Master Gardener who writes about her passion for growing, cooking and living naturally. When she’s not elbow deep in soil, she enjoys raising a very active son, laughing with her husband, and wrangling their pets.