Recent years have seen an increase in the popularity of American distilled spirits, with American whiskey seeing a particular growth in popularity. In 2013, premium American bourbon and Tennessee whiskey crossed the $1 billion threshold for the first time (Distilled Spirits Council of the United States). With this increase in popularity comes a desire for new cocktail recipes to try with friends.
“Put mixology skills to the test using All-American ingredients like apples and whiskey,” said Matt Nielsen, COO of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Inc. “By keeping a few simple add-ins on hand, such as Nielsen-Massey vanillas and flavors, it’s easy to pull together delicious cocktails for friends that warm up cool autumn evenings.”
In addition to Nielsen-Massey vanilla, pantry staples such as cinnamon sticks, ginger, cloves and seasonal citrus and fruits make it easy to create whiskey-based cocktails for even unexpected visitors.
A take on classic mulled drink recipes, Nielsen-Massey’s Mulled Whiskey Cider (recipe below) adds nostalgic warmth to any adult gathering with its smooth vanilla and bright orange flavors. A take on hot apple cider, this toasty treat is made with fresh Gala apples and notes of citrus. Enjoy it by the fire after a day of apple picking or pour it into a thermos for brisk tailgates.
Mulled Whiskey Cider Recipe
(Serves 6)
2 quarts apple cider
½ cup 100% pure pomegranate juice
? cup 100% pure maple syrup (adjust maple syrup if cider is already sweet)
1 Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean
1 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Pure Orange Extract
3 large cinnamon sticks
12 whole cloves
5 whole allspice berries
¼ teaspoon cardamom seeds
? cup whiskey
1 large Gala apple, thinly sliced (garnish)
Add apple cider, pomegranate juice and maple syrup to a large saucepan; heat over medium-high heat. Split vanilla bean in half lengthwise with the tip of a small knife. Scrape both sides of the bean with the knife’s dull side and add the seeds and bean to the saucepan.
Add the orange extract, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries and cardamom seeds to the saucepan; stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 30 minutes.
Strain mulled cider through a fine mesh sieve. Add whiskey; stir to combine. Serve with a fresh apple slice.
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I thought I had commented, but don’t see it. This recipe combines my favorite fall flavors, but I might use cranberry juice rather than Pomegranate juice.
Wonderful flavors of the seasons! This sounds warming and you can almost feel the crisp fall air and smell the apples. I had to smile at the question mark on how much whiskey….great for adults to experiment with.
My mom used to make this pretty much exactly like yours. I still do, but without the whiskey. A sacrilege I am sure, but better for us that way.
While I am ot a whiskey drinker this doesnt sound too bad. I always like the apple cider tastes. We make one called an apple pie that is along the same libes and it is wonderful at bonfires on cool nights.
Oh, this would be great to serve on Thanksgiving or Christmas. The scent alone would be great!
I love all the flavors in this drink. Neat to add the pomegranate juice.
I so love hot apple cider on a cool Fall evening. This recipe sounds like one I would love to try. I love the smell and taste of cloves and cinnamon sticks and this has a great twist. I think this would be fun to try out for the adults around the campfire thanks for sharing.