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Best Homemade Cinnamon Whiskey Cider in 15 Minutes

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A quick and easy spiced cinnamon whiskey cider that’s perfect for cold-weather gatherings. Made with simple ingredients like apple cider, cinnamon whiskey, and whole spices, this cozy drink comes together in under 15 minutes and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) apple cider, preferably unfiltered
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cinnamon whiskey (e.g., Fireball, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, or Jim Beam Kentucky Fire)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) regular whiskey or bourbon (optional, e.g., Bulleit or Maker’s Mark)
  • 4 to 6 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 2 to 3 fresh apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
  • 1 medium orange, sliced into rounds
  • 6 to 8 whole cloves
  • 2 to 3 whole star anise pods (optional)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) brown sugar or maple syrup (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prep your fruit and spices: Wash apples and orange thoroughly. Slice apples into thin rounds (about ¼-inch thick) and orange into similar rounds. Stud 4 to 5 of the orange slices with whole cloves by pressing them into the peel. Set aside a few apple and orange slices for garnish.
  2. Combine the base: Pour 4 cups of apple cider into a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, clove-studded orange slices, and apple slices.
  3. Heat gently: Place pot over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer (small bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil). Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Taste and adjust sweetness: After 5 minutes, ladle out a small amount and taste. If needed, stir in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup. Taste again and add more if desired.
  5. Add the whiskey: Reduce heat to low. Pour in 1 cup of cinnamon whiskey and ½ cup of regular bourbon (if using). Stir gently and let warm through for 2 to 3 minutes without boiling.
  6. Finish with lemon: Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and stir once more. Taste and adjust if needed.
  7. Serve immediately: Ladle cider into mugs, ensuring each gets a cinnamon stick, apple slices, and an orange slice. Add a star anise pod to each mug for garnish if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For best results, use unfiltered apple cider and whole cinnamon sticks. Avoid boiling after adding whiskey to preserve alcohol content. The cider can be made ahead without whiskey and kept warm; add whiskey just before serving. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon whiskey cider, spiked cider, hot cider, whiskey cider, holiday drink, winter cocktail, apple cider cocktail, cinnamon whiskey drink

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/best-homemade-cinnamon-whiskey-cider-in-15-minutes/