Quick Spiked Apple Cider Easy Cinnamon Whiskey Recipe
This quick spiked apple cider is warm, comforting, and made with simple ingredients like apple cider, cinnamon whiskey, fresh orange, and whole spices. It’s the perfect cozy drink for chilly evenings, ready in just 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups apple cider (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1/2 cup cinnamon whiskey (e.g., Fireball or Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire)
- 1 large orange (cut into thin slices)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves (optional)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for added sweetness)
- Additional orange slices and cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine the base ingredients: Pour the 4 cups of apple cider into a medium saucepan. Add the 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 whole cloves (if using), and 2-3 slices of orange. If using maple syrup or honey, stir it in now. Place the pot over medium heat.
- Heat gently, don’t boil: Bring the cider to a gentle simmer (small bubbles around the edges), about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it come to a full boil.
- Add the whiskey: Once the cider is hot and fragrant, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the 1/2 cup of cinnamon whiskey.
- Let it rest for a minute: Let the spiked cider sit in the pot for about 60 seconds to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust sweetness or strength if desired.
- Strain and serve: If using whole cloves, strain the cider through a fine-mesh strainer into mugs. Otherwise, ladle directly into mugs, leaving cinnamon sticks and orange slices in the pot. Garnish each mug with a fresh orange slice and a cinnamon stick.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy hot, straight from the pot.
Notes
For best flavor, use good-quality apple cider, not apple juice. Add whiskey off the heat to preserve alcohol and flavor. For a non-alcoholic version, skip the whiskey and add a splash of vanilla extract, an extra cinnamon stick, and a pinch of nutmeg. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 oz
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 28
Keywords: spiked apple cider, cinnamon whiskey, hot apple cider, fall cocktail, easy cocktail, warm drink, apple cider recipe