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Cozy Spiked Apple Cider: Easy Cinnamon Whiskey Cocktail

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A warm and comforting spiked apple cider made with cinnamon whiskey, apple cider, and aromatic spices. Perfect for fall and winter gatherings, this easy slow cooker cocktail is a crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 64 ounces (1.9 liters) apple cider
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cinnamon whiskey (e.g., Fireball)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 3 star anise pods
  • 1 orange, sliced into rounds
  • 1 apple, sliced into rounds
  • Additional cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)
  • Fresh apple slices for garnish (optional)
  • Whipped cream for garnish (optional)
  • Caramel drizzle for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your slow cooker: Rinse and dry a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Optionally, lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Combine the liquid base: In a large measuring cup or directly in the slow cooker, combine apple cider, cinnamon whiskey, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Stir until maple syrup is dissolved.
  3. Add the whole spices and fruit: Drop in cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Float orange and apple slices on top.
  4. Slow cook on low: Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours. For a quicker version, cook on high for 1 hour.
  5. Adjust and taste: After 2 hours, stir and taste. Adjust sweetness with maple syrup or lemon juice as needed. If spice flavor is mild, cook another 30 minutes.
  6. Serve warm: Ladle into mugs, including a cinnamon stick and fruit slice in each. Optionally, top with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.
  7. Keep warm for serving: Leave slow cooker on warm or low setting for 4-6 hours. Stir occasionally. Add a splash of fresh cider if it reduces too much.

Notes

Do not boil the cider; keep at a gentle simmer. For deeper flavor, toast spices in a dry skillet for 60 seconds before adding. The recipe doubles easily for larger parties. Leftover cider (without fruit) can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: spiked apple cider, cinnamon whiskey cocktail, slow cooker cocktail, fall drink, winter drink, party drink, mulled cider

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/cozy-spiked-apple-cider-easy-cinnamon-whiskey-cocktail/