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Home » Recipes » Cocktails

Hot Apple Cider Cocktail

Published: Oct 10, 2019 · Modified: Oct 14, 2020 by Lexi

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Overhead view of hot apple cider cocktail garnished with cinnamon stick on rustic wood background
Close up side view of apple cider brandy cocktail

Is there anything more comforting than a mug of hot apple cider on a gorgeous fall day? Better yet - a hot apple cider cocktail, spiked with brandy and warming spices!

backlit side view of hot apple cider brandy cocktails with beautiful fall flowers

Apple cider is good. Great, some might argue. But you know what's better?

Hot apple cider.

The simple act of heating apple cider somehow makes it 10x more appealing. It brings out the complexities of the cider, and each sip is comforting, nostalgic and more delicious than the last.

Hot cider also has the added benefit of being the perfect vehicle for alcohol, be it whiskey, bourbon, or in this case, apple brandy! To round out the cocktail, we also add a squeeze of lemon juice for acidity, maple syrup for extra sweetness and flavor, and cinnamon for depth.

Overhead view of hot apple cider cocktail garnished with cinnamon stick on rustic wood background

It's perfect for just about any fall entertaining occasion, but it's even better enjoyed without a special occasion. Just get a batch simmering on the stovetop, enjoy the fragrant aroma as it wafts through your home and slowly sip a warm mug (or two). I can't think of anything more relaxing!

The good news is that it's incredibly easy to make once you have the proper ingredients assembled. While most of the ingredients are easy to find, you may not have heard of apple brandy before. It's the star of this hot apple cider cocktail, and it's a must-have pantry item come fall.

Here's what you need to know.

What is apple brandy?

Apple brandy is essentially a concentrated apple spirit made by distilling fermented apple cider. Its roots in the US trace back to early colonial times, but even further in Europe, where it's been a craft for centuries.

Apple brandy is often referred to Applejack or Calvados. The former refers to a popular New Jersey-born spirit, and the latter refers to the original fermented French apple brandy originating in Normandy. Applejack is technically apple brandy diluted with neutral spirit. Calvados is alternatively a double-distilled cider with a ABV of 60-80%.

While apple brandy can be enjoyed on its own as an after-dinner digestif, it also adds complexity and depth to fall cocktails. You can add it to a cocktail in addition to a stronger liquor, like whiskey or vodka. I personally love adding a dash into a Moscow Mule. It pairs so well with ginger beer and lime!

You should be able to find some version of apple brandy at most liquor stores or specialty grocery stores. When in doubt, ask an employee. Much easier than scanning the shelves on your own!

45 degree angle of hot apple cider brandy cocktail on wood backdrop

In this hot apple cider cocktail, apple brandy is the only spirit. We wanted a drink that's easy to sip, with just a hint of fermentation. If you's prefer something stronger, a dash of bourbon would be an excellent addition. It's completely up to you and your preferences!

It takes just a few minutes to bring this cocktail together. Simply add everything (except the brandy) to a small saucepan, bring to a simmer, then remove from heat. Stir in the apple brandy, pour into a mug and you're good to go.

If you'd like to add more depth of flavor, you can simmer the cider for longer. The more time the cinnamon has to infuse into the cider, the better (in my opinion!).

Close up side view of apple cider brandy cocktail

More apple cider cocktails for fall

On an apple cider kick right now? Yep, me too. Here are a few more apple cider-based cocktails to celebrate autumn while it's still here!

  • Apple Cider Margaritas with Cranberry Simple Syrup
  • Apple Cider Maple Bourbon Cocktail - another fall favorite in our house!
  • Apple Pear Martini - The simplicity of this cocktail really highlights the freshness of apple and pear.
  • Apple Cider Ginger Beer Punch via Olive & Mango. Apple and ginger always goes so well together, and love that this is served as a punch!
  • Chai Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail via Vegetarian Ventures. Warming, fragrant chai spices are the perfect pair for crisp apple cider.
  • Red Wine Apple Cider Sangria via Zestful Kitchen. Sangria is the ultimate large-batch cocktail for a party. Add apple cider and it's perfect for fall!
  • Apple Cider Sidecar via Inspired By Charm. This cognac-based cocktail is so simple, yet sophisticated!
Overhead view of hot apple cider brandy cocktail
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Hot Apple Cider Cocktail


★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

  • Author: Lexi
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 drinks 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

Is there anything more comforting than a mug of hot apple cider on a gorgeous fall day? Better yet - a hot apple cider cocktail, spiked with brandy and warming spices!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 oz apple cider
  • 3 oz cranberry juice
  • 1  tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 oz apple brandy

Instructions

  1. Add apple cider, cranberry juice, lemon juice, maple syrup and cinnamon to a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Stir in apple brandy and serve immediately while hot. Optional: garnish with apple slices and/or cinnamon sticks.

Notes

Optional: if you'd like, you can simmer for a longer period to infuse more cinnamon. Just be sure to simmer over very low heat.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Cocktails
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 9.9 mg
  • Fat: 0.1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15.8 g
  • Fiber: 1.4 g
  • Protein: 0.3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: hot apple cider cocktail

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    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Sean

    November 26, 2020 at 10:29 pm

    Made this tonight for the first time and my wife and I loved it for our Thanksgiving signature drink. Thank you for posting this! A tradition is born.

    ★★★★★

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Hi, we're Lexi and Beth, a mother-daughter team from Michigan. The recipes you'll find here are a reflection of how we bring our family together around the dinner table despite various dietary differences.

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