Spiked Apple Cider

Spiked Apple Cider - 1 Spiked Apple Cider - 2

By Emily Richter

11/6/2021

Spiced spiked apple cider is a boozy twist on our traditional apple cider recipe that’s been a fall favorite for years. Make a large batch to serve a crowd, or pour a single serve spiked cider tonight. Cheers!

spiked apple cider being poured in a glass - 3 Loading - 4 Loading - 5

The leaves are changing, the evenings are getting chillier, and we could not be more excited about this spiked apple cider recipe that absolutely screams all things FALL.

If you’re just getting home from a trip to the apple orchard and looking for delicious ideas for your apple haul (our apple cinnamon bread , apple pie bars , and apple crisp are all great ways to use up those fresh apples!) or need a festive cocktail for Thanksgiving, this spiked apple cider is for you.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s made with 2 simple ingredients — apple cider and whisky. We’ve also made this recipe with rum and Fireball for a cinnamon twist! Heat them together on the stovetop and enjoy!

“This is such a simple recipe for Spiked Apple Cider. I loved the homemade Instant Pot Apple Cider recipe, too!” – Michelle

What You Need for Spiked Apple Cider

This boozy apple cider comes together with just 2 super simple ingredients:

Apple Cider

Homemade apple cider is the base of this cocktail. It’s made with harvest-y ingredients and flavors like apples, citrus, maple syrup, and fall spices like cloves, allspice, cinnamon sticks, and more.

If you don’t have an Instant Pot to make our homemade cider, no problem! We tested this recipe with fresh apple cider from an apple orchard (or pick up a jug of apple cider from the grocery store) and it was still delicious.

Liquor

We recommend spiking apple cider with your favorite kind of whiskey or rum. Whiskey adds warmth to the cider while rum adds sweetness. For a combination of sweet and spicy, try Fireball or another cinnamon whiskey.

instant pot apple cider ingredients in an instant pot - 6

Spiked Apple Cider Variations

Feel free to mix up this spiked cider recipe by using your favorite kind of homemade or store-bought cider and favorite liquor. Stick to whiskey or rum for best taste.

For a non-alcoholic version, simply make our apple cider and serve warm without alcohol.

shot of booze being poured in a mug for spiked apple cider - 7

We love this apple cider cocktail with whiskey or rum.

Definitely! Use our recipe multiplier (8 parts apple cider and 1.5 parts liquor) for a fall batch cocktail. Mix together in a large pitcher or drink dispenser and serve warm.

Storage

Get a jump start on any Thanksgiving prep with this cocktail recipe! Make the cider for spiked apple cider up to 7 days ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to serve. When it’s cocktail time, warm up the cider and mix in the liquor immediately prior to serving.

spiked apple cider in a glass mug - 8

Serving Suggestions

Warm up chilly nights around a bonfire with mugs of spiked apple cider or add this festive cocktail to your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving celebration. Garnish each mug with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.

For a little something extra: Mix 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon together on a plate. Dampen the rims of each mug with a wet paper towel, then dip the rims into the cinnamon sugar mixture for a sweet rim.

Ingredients1x2x3x

  • ▢ 8 oz. apple cider , option to use our homemade recipe or store-bought
  • ▢ 1.5 oz. whisky , rum or Fireball work too

Instructions

  • Add the apple cider and whisky into a medium pot and bring to a simmer on the stovetop. Feel free to triple or quadruple this recipe to serve a crowd.
  • Once simmering, transfer into a mug and enjoy!

Tips & Notes

  • Storage: Make the cider for spiked apple cider up to 7 days ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to serve. When it’s cocktail time, warm up the cider and mix in the liquor immediately prior to serving.
  • Cider: If using store-bought apple cider, warm up 8 ounces (or however much you are using) before mixing with the liquor.
  • Large Batch: Use our recipe multiplier (8 parts apple cider and 1.5 parts liquor) for a fall batch cocktail. Mix together in a large pitcher or drink dispenser and serve warm.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Don’t forget to tag your posts on social media with the hashtag #fitfoodiefinds , we’d love to see what you’re up to!

Two spiked mugs of apple cider with cinnamon sticks. - 9

Spiked Apple Cider

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. apple cider option to use our homemade recipe or store-bought
  • 1.5 oz. whisky rum or Fireball work too

Instructions

  • Add the apple cider and whisky into a medium pot and bring to a simmer on the stovetop. Feel free to triple or quadruple this recipe to serve a crowd.
  • Once simmering, transfer into a mug and enjoy!

Notes

  • Storage: Make the cider for spiked apple cider up to 7 days ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to serve. When it’s cocktail time, warm up the cider and mix in the liquor immediately prior to serving.
  • Cider: If using store-bought apple cider, warm up 8 ounces (or however much you are using) before mixing with the liquor.
  • Large Batch: Use our recipe multiplier (8 parts apple cider and 1.5 parts liquor) for a fall batch cocktail. Mix together in a large pitcher or drink dispenser and serve warm.

Nutrition