Published 10/22/2020 • Updated 11/6/2021 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!
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.
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.
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.
Cozy Cocktails
Apple Cider Hot Toddy Dairy Free Spiked Hot Chocolate Mulled Wine
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.
