Fall Cider & Bourbon Sangria

Don't you feel so special when you drink Sangria?
Yeah, very special... like you are hardly drinking at all.
It's just juice after all.
But...
You might want to be careful with this one.
Bourbon, wine, triple sec... it will grab you fast.
Remember, sip, sip, sip. 
Not gulp, gulp, gulp.
Just some nice advice from your Mother/Auntie, sister, BFF, neighbor; whoever you want me to be. It's just good advice- so, take it already!

About 8 servings
Ingredients

1 orange, sliced into half rounds
1 apple
2 cups cider
1 bottle white wine, anything but chardonnay
1 cup bourbon
1/4 cup triple sec
1/4 cup apple simple syrup (see recipe), optional
1/2 tsp cinnamon 
A sprinkle of Cayenne (optional) 
A dash of bitters (optional)
Cinnamon sticks, for garnish
Cut up apples and oranges in thin slices.  Add to a large pitcher.  Add in all other ingredients and stir. Chill until ready to serve.  Serve over ice.
The fruit is especially yummy after soaking in the mixture...

 

Apple simple syrup

I've been meaning to write a whole post on simple syrups... but until then, here's an easy way to make an apple simple syrup. This syrup would be great in either iced, or hot tea, or cider for kids.

1/2 cup brown, or white, sugar
1/2 cup water
Fresh apple peels from 1-2 apples (yep, just the peels)

Mix in a medium saucepan, bring to boil over medium high heat. Reduce to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes.  Strain and chill.