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Quick Spiked Apple Cider with Cinnamon Whiskey: Easy 10-Minute Cocktail

Quick Spiked Apple Cider with Cinnamon Whiskey - featured image
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A warm and comforting spiked apple cider made with cinnamon whiskey and whole spices, ready in just 10 minutes. Perfect for cozy nights in or last-minute holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) apple cider
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cinnamon whiskey (e.g., Fireball, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, or Jim Beam Kentucky Fire)
  • 4–5 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 8–10 whole cloves
  • 1 medium orange, sliced into rounds
  • 2–3 whole star anise (optional)
  • 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Apple slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine the cider and spices: Pour 4 cups of apple cider into a medium saucepan. Add 4-5 whole cinnamon sticks, 8-10 whole cloves, the sliced orange rounds, and 2-3 star anise if using. Stir gently.
  2. Heat the cider: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a gentle simmer (small bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil). This takes about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Simmer and infuse: Reduce heat to low and let the cider gently bubble for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  4. Remove from heat and strain: Turn off the heat. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large heatproof bowl or directly over mugs. Carefully pour the cider through the strainer to catch all spices and orange slices.
  5. Add the cinnamon whiskey: Stir in 1 cup of cinnamon whiskey. Start with this amount, then taste and adjust. Add 1/2 cup for a milder drink or up to 1 1/2 cups for a stronger kick.
  6. Sweeten if needed: Taste the spiked cider. If it needs more sweetness, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup.
  7. Pour and garnish: Ladle the spiked cider into mugs. Garnish with a thin apple slice if desired.
  8. Serve immediately: Enjoy hot, right after making. The flavors are brightest when the cider is steaming.

Notes

Don’t boil the cider—it will become syrupy and flat. Toast the spices in the dry saucepan for 30 seconds before adding cider for deeper flavor. Always add the whiskey after removing from heat to preserve the alcohol. For a non-alcoholic version, skip the whiskey and add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Leftover spiked cider can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: spiked apple cider, cinnamon whiskey, hot cocktail, fall drink, winter cocktail, easy cocktail, 10-minute recipe

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/quick-spiked-apple-cider-with-cinnamon-whiskey-easy-10-minute-cocktail/