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Cozy Spiked Apple Cider Halloween Coffee Bar

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A warm and cozy spiked apple cider coffee bar station perfect for Halloween gatherings. Made with strong coffee, spiced apple cider, and bourbon, this easy DIY drink station is a crowd-pleaser that comes together in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) apple cider
  • 4 cups (960 ml) strong brewed coffee, dark roast
  • 1 cup (240 ml) bourbon or whiskey
  • 4 to 6 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 2 to 3 star anise pods
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whipped cream
  • Caramel sauce, for drizzling
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 to 2 apples, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
  • Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brew 4 cups of strong coffee using a dark roast. Transfer to a thermal carafe to keep hot.
  2. In a slow cooker or medium saucepan, combine 4 cups apple cider, 4 to 6 cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, 2 to 3 star anise pods, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg. Warm on low in a slow cooker for at least 30 minutes, or over medium-low heat on the stovetop for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not let it boil.
  3. While the cider warms, slice 1 to 2 apples into thin rounds. Place in a bowl of water with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.
  4. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for rimming mugs.
  5. If making whipped cream, whip 1 cup heavy cream with 1 tablespoon powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  6. Set up the station: arrange mugs, coffee carafe, warm spiced cider (with ladle), bourbon in a small pitcher, and garnishes (cinnamon sticks, star anise, apple slices, whipped cream, caramel sauce) in small bowls.
  7. For each serving, fill a mug halfway with hot coffee, then add an equal amount of warm spiced cider (about 1/2 cup each). Let guests add 1 to 2 ounces bourbon to taste. Stir with a cinnamon stick. Top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and an apple slice on the rim.
  8. Taste and adjust: if coffee is too weak, brew a fresh pot with extra grounds. If cider is too spicy, add a splash of plain cider.
  9. Keep coffee and cider warm throughout the party. Reheat coffee if needed; keep cider in slow cooker on low for up to 4 hours, stirring occasionally.

Notes

Do not let the cider boil, as it can become bitter. Use freshly brewed coffee for best flavor. Let guests pour their own bourbon to control strength. For a non-alcoholic version, omit bourbon. The spiced cider can be made up to 2 days ahead and reheated.

Nutrition

Keywords: spiked apple cider, Halloween coffee bar, bourbon coffee, fall cocktail, warm drink station, apple cider coffee

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/cozy-spiked-apple-cider-halloween-coffee-bar/