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Easy Spiked Apple Cider with Cinnamon Whiskey

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This easy spiked apple cider with cinnamon whiskey is exactly what you need when the air gets crisp and you want something that feels like a warm blanket from the inside out. Simple, cozy, and just boozy enough to take the chill off without knocking you over.

Ingredients

  • Apple Cider (64 oz / 1.9 liters)
  • Cinnamon Whiskey (1 cup / 240 ml)
  • Whole Cinnamon Sticks (4-5 sticks)
  • Whole Cloves (1 teaspoon / about 8-10 cloves)
  • Star Anise (2-3 pods, optional)
  • Fresh Orange (1 large, sliced into rounds)
  • Fresh Apple (1 medium, sliced into thin rounds)
  • Maple Syrup or Brown Sugar (2-3 tablespoons, optional)
  • Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon)

Instructions

  1. Combine the Base (5 minutes): Pour the entire 64 oz (1.9 liters) of apple cider into your large pot. Add the whole cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise pods (if using). Drop in the orange slices and apple slices. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon.
  2. Simmer Gently (10 minutes): Place the pot over medium heat and bring the cider to a gentle simmer. You want small bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Taste and Adjust (2 minutes): After 10 minutes, turn off the heat. Remove a cinnamon stick and let the cider cool slightly, then take a small taste. If not sweet enough, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup or brown sugar. If too sweet, add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance.
  4. Add the Whiskey (1 minute): Stir in the cinnamon whiskey. Start with ¾ cup (180 ml) and taste. Add the remaining ¼ cup if you want a stronger kick. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Strain (Optional, 1 minute): If you prefer a clear drink without floating spices, pour the cider through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean pot or a large heatproof pitcher.
  6. Serve Immediately (1 minute): Ladle the spiked cider into mugs. Garnish each mug with a fresh cinnamon stick, a thin orange slice, or a star anise pod if desired.

Notes

Don’t boil the cider; a gentle simmer is key. Taste before adding sweetener as cinnamon whiskey is already sweet. Let spices steep for exactly 10 minutes to avoid overpowering. For a party, keep warm in a slow cooker and add whiskey just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: spiked apple cider, cinnamon whiskey, hot apple cider, fall drink, winter drink, cozy cocktail, easy cocktail, apple cider recipe

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/easy-spiked-apple-cider-with-cinnamon-whiskey/