Peppery Ginger Cider Recipe

This warm cider cocktail is spiked with bourbon, ginger liqueur, and a pinch of cracked black pepper.

By
María del Mar Cuadra
A headshot of Maria del Mar Cuadra, a contributing writer at Serious Eats.
María del Mar Cuadra
María del Mar Cuadra is a food stylist, recipe developer, and art director. She has written three cookbooks and worked for America's Test Kitchen.
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Updated Feb. 11, 2023
Two glass mugs of peppery ginger cider.

Serious Eats / María del Mar Sacasa

Why This Recipe Works

  • Use unfiltered cider for the best flavor.
  • Ginger liqueur and lemon juice balance the sweetness of the cider.
  • A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper adds a warm bite as you sip.

I stroll the farmers market in autumn, and can’t help but come home with bags of apples–and apple cider. Whether you are looking for warm and fruity, or a cider cocktail that riffs on a classic boulevardier, there are variations to please your palate. Buttered rum with a maple twist? Sparkling champagne cocktail? 

And if you appreciate sweet apple cider but need more bite than that mellow drink provides, this warm cocktail, spiked with your favorite bourbon, offers the sharpness of ginger. To underscore that subtle burn, we've added cracked black pepper on the top of each mug.

November 2013

Recipe Details

Peppery Ginger Cider Recipe

Active 10 mins
Total 10 mins
Serves 2 servings

This warm cider cocktail is spiked with bourbon, ginger liqueur, and a pinch of cracked black pepper.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces apple cider (see notes)

  • 4 ounces bourbon

  • 3 ounces ginger liqueur, such as Domaine de Canton

  • Lemon juice to taste

  • 4 Luxardo cherries

  • Cracked black pepper

Directions

  1. Bring cider and bourbon to a simmer in a small saucepan. Stir in ginger liqueur and add lemon juice to taste. Divide cherries between 2 heatproof glasses or mugs and pour in cider combination. Sprinkle with pepper and serve immediately.

Notes

For the best results, use unfiltered fresh cider from your local orchard or farmers' market (or the refrigerated case at your grocery store).

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
248 Calories
0g Fat
42g Carbs
0g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories 248
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 10mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 42g 15%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 35g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 49mg 246%
Calcium 15mg 1%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 183mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)