Apple Spiced Bourbon Toddys

In the mood for a Kentucky Christmas?  I am!  This is a drink straight from the heartland~Apple Spiced Bourbon Toddys ~ by Claire Robinson of Food Network and the Five Ingredient Fix.

Ingredients:
1 quart of fresh apple cider
1 cinnamon stick plus more for serving
2 whole star anise plus more for serving
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup good-quality bourbon whiskey (We like Makers Mark)
Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

Directions:
Put the cider, cinnamon, and star anise into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.  Cook until liquid has reduced by half and intensified in flavor, about 10 minutes.  Add the lemon juice and bourbon and stir until hot.

Serve in warmed mugs or snifters each garnished with a cinnamon stick, star anise, and a maraschino cherry, if you have some.

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas!