Cooking Lesson #1144: January Spiced Apple Bourbon Cocktail

…from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar

How you doin’? Cold, dark evenings don’t have to mean dull nights. A vibrant, seasonal cocktail can effortlessly elevate your January gatherings and cozy nights in.
 
Whether you’re setting the mood for a fireside get-together or looking to brighten up an ordinary winter weeknight, my January Spiced Apple Bourbon Cocktail combines fresh winter flavors and soothing spirits for a welcoming mix of comfort and celebration.
 
The Spiced Apple Bourbon Cocktail is aromatic, cozy, and slightly sweet. It blends good old American bourbon with apple cider, a touch of cinnamon and a hint of lemon for a comforting winter drink. My January Spiced Apple Bourbon Cocktail is ideal for warming you up on cold nights and pairs beautifully with savory or sweet winter snacks. And it’s got fruit… so, a little healthy, too!
 
Prep time:  5 minutes
Yield:  1 cocktail
 
Ingredients 
2 ounces American Bourbon
3 ounces apple cider
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon honey
1 cinnamon stick  for garnish
1 apple slice for garnish
 
Directions

1. Read the recipe all the way through before starting. Measure all ingredients and have at your side.
2. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.

1. Add the bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice and honey.
2. Shake gently to combine all flavors.
3. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an apple slice.

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ChefSecret:  This is a great combination of flavors to enjoy warm in a mug in front of a roaring fireplace. Just heat the mixture slightly in the microwave or on the stove top and eliminate the ice cubes.
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Quip of the Day:  Q. Why was the cocktail sad at the party?  A. It didn’t have a shot of confidence!
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Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food.
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, kind, thankful, and stay well and safe. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, including those still suffering the effects of the recent hurricanes. Please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross.

#Cocktail #HappyHour2026 #HappyHourFriday #SpicedAppleBourbonCocktail #Bourbon #AppleCider #Honey #Apple #Cheers2026 #Cheers #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup 

                                                 ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026

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