Cocktail
A Spiced Whisky Cocktail for Extra-Chilly Winter Nights
Mixologist Jeff Bell shares his recipe for warm Spey Cider.
We've partnered with The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky—each bottle is made with distinctive character and craftsmanship—to share the many ways we're celebrating the season, from sipping cozy cocktails with friends to whipping up holiday-ready recipes.
If the idea of curling up by a roaring fireplace, as snow gently falls outside the window, sounds like a perfect way to spend a winter evening, you've come to the right place.
But if (like me) you don't have a hearth at home, this Spey Cider from Jeff Bell—an award-winning mixologist—comes pretty close to hitting all those same cozy notes.
Apple cider, a flavorful pumpkin consommé, and a medley of warm spices (cardamom, cinnamon, clove, ginger, and more) give this cocktail plenty of toasty, fireside flavors. But the real star is a single malt whisky—its notes of toffee, vanilla, and a hint of fruit help tie all the elements together.
Check out the video above to watch Jeff and Senior Editor/Whisky Fan Eric Kim make this holiday-ready drink in our test kitchen, plus get a few of their tips for pulling it off at home.
| 3 | ounces spiced apple cider |
| 1 | ounce The Balvenie 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask |
| 1/2 | ounce pumpkin consommé |
| 1/4 | ounce Palo Cortado sherry |
| 1/4 | ounce aged Caribbean rum |
| 1 | lemon wheel, for garnish |
| Cloves, for garnish |
| 3 | ounces spiced apple cider |
| 1 | ounce The Balvenie 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask |
| 1/2 | ounce pumpkin consommé |
| 1/4 | ounce Palo Cortado sherry |
| 1/4 | ounce aged Caribbean rum |
| 1 | lemon wheel, for garnish |
| Cloves, for garnish |
| SPICED APPLE CIDER: | |
| 1 | gallon apple cider |
| 80 | grams sliced ginger |
| 200 | grams orange juice |
| 80 | grams orange peel |
| 20 | grams whole black peppercorns |
| 24 | grams cardamom pods |
| 60 | grams cinnamon sticks |
| 10 | pieces clove |
| 2 | vanilla beans |
| PUMPKIN CONSOMMÉ | |
| 1 | large handful sliced pumpkin, skin and seeds removed |
| Sugar |
| SPICED APPLE CIDER: | |
| 1 | gallon apple cider |
| 80 | grams sliced ginger |
| 200 | grams orange juice |
| 80 | grams orange peel |
| 20 | grams whole black peppercorns |
| 24 | grams cardamom pods |
| 60 | grams cinnamon sticks |
| 10 | pieces clove |
| 2 | vanilla beans |
| PUMPKIN CONSOMMÉ | |
| 1 | large handful sliced pumpkin, skin and seeds removed |
| Sugar |
This year, celebrate the Season to Taste. We're teaming up The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky—makers of award-winning bottlings carefully crafted in the Scottish Highlands—to share recipes and traditions from a few of our favorites chefs, bakers, and cocktail pros. Here, award-winning mixologist Jeff Bell shares the recipe for one of his go-to winter drinks, a toasty Spey Cider starring The Balvenie 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask. Perfect for everything from cocktails to cooking, or just sipping neat, The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky is an excellent addition to any bar cart for the holidays and beyond.
Whether you're in the mood for some soup-simmering, leaf-peeping, or nothing at all, your dream weekend awaits...
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Written by: Erin Alexander
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