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Cozy Spiked Cinnamon Apple Cider with Whiskey – Best Easy Drink

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A warm, spiced apple cider with whiskey that’s simple to make and perfect for cozy evenings. This easy recipe combines fresh apple cider with cinnamon, clove, and orange, then adds a splash of bourbon for a comforting, soul-warming drink.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups apple cider (fresh-pressed preferred, or store-bought without added sugar)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks (plus extra for garnish)
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 2 star anise pods (optional)
  • 1 orange, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
  • A tiny pinch of sea salt
  • 6 ounces whiskey or bourbon (about 1.5 ounces per serving; Bulleit Bourbon or Jameson recommended)
  • Apple slices (for garnish, optional)
  • Cinnamon sticks (for garnish, optional)
  • Whipped cream (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine the base ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups apple cider, 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 whole cloves, 2 star anise pods, orange slices, 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey, and a tiny pinch of sea salt. Stir gently.
  2. Heat gently, never boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer (small bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil). This takes about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Let the spices steep: Reduce heat to low and let steep for 10-15 minutes. The longer it steeps, the more intense the flavor. Aim for 12 minutes for the sweet spot.
  4. Taste and adjust: After steeping, taste the cider. Add more maple syrup if needed, or let steep longer for more spice. Adjust to your preference.
  5. Strain the spices: Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large heatproof bowl or directly over mugs. Carefully pour the warm cider through the strainer to remove cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange slices. Discard solids.
  6. Add the whiskey: For each serving, measure 1.5 ounces of whiskey and stir into the warm strained cider. For a batch, add whiskey to the pot after straining and stir well.
  7. Garnish and serve: Pour into mugs. Add a fresh cinnamon stick for stirring, float a thin apple slice on top, and add a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t rush the steep—spices need at least 10 minutes to infuse. Avoid boiling the cider to prevent bitterness. For parties, make the spiced cider base (without whiskey) up to 2 hours ahead and keep warm on low heat. Add whiskey to individual mugs so guests can control their alcohol level. The strained cider base (without whiskey) can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat gently and add fresh whiskey when serving. For a non-alcoholic version, skip the whiskey and add a splash of vanilla extract and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar for depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: spiked apple cider, cinnamon apple cider, whiskey cider, hot apple cider with whiskey, easy fall drink, cozy drink, bourbon apple cider

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