Cozy Spiked Apple Cider with Cinnamon Whiskey
A warm, comforting spiked apple cider made with just three ingredients—apple cider, cinnamon whiskey, and a cinnamon stick. This easy recipe captures the magic of autumn evenings and is perfect for cozy nights by the fire.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (960 ml) apple cider (preferably fresh, unfiltered)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 4 ounces (120 ml) cinnamon whiskey (e.g., Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire or Fireball)
- 4 cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
- 4 apple slices (for garnish)
- Star anise (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pour the apple cider into a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat until steaming gently, about 5-7 minutes. Do not boil.
- Add 2 cinnamon sticks to the cider and stir. Let simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the cinnamon flavor.
- Taste the cider and stir in 1 tablespoon of maple syrup if you want it sweeter.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. This is crucial to prevent the alcohol from evaporating.
- Pour in 4 ounces of cinnamon whiskey and stir gently for about 15 seconds to combine.
- Ladle the cider into 4 heatproof mugs, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Garnish each mug with a fresh cinnamon stick, a thin apple slice, and a star anise if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Don’t boil the cider—it will concentrate the sweetness and dull the apple flavor. Always add the whiskey off the heat to preserve the alcohol. For a party, make the cider base in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours, then add the whiskey before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently without boiling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug (about 8 ounce
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 28
Keywords: spiked apple cider, cinnamon whiskey, hot cider, fall drink, easy cocktail, cozy drink, apple cider recipe