Warm Spiked Apple Cider Recipe

Why are warm drinks so comforting?  And a boozy warm drink?  Sign me up.  I love a warm spiked cocktail, but unfortunately, restaurants and bars do not give them the proper attention they deserve (not that restaurants and bars are exactly happening these days).

Hot Tip: If you happen to find yourself in Milwaukee in the fall or winter, do yourself a favor and go to Von Trier.  They have an extensive warm drink menu, as one rightfully should. 

If you don’t happen to have an old-world European cocktail lounge easily accessible, learning how to make warm drinks at home is the next best thing.  This year I’ve replaced the snow-covered nights walking to Von Trier with stay-at-home nights by the fireplace but one thing remains constant.  The warm spiked cocktail.

Jump to my Spiked Apple Cider Recipe

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Why Warm Spiked Apple Cider?

If you’ve read the Apple Cider Martini post (which you should definitely try if you are a vodka girl like myself) you know of my love for all things apple cider…cocktails, donuts, straight up.  It’s a perfect seasonal beverage, you can drink it cold or warm, spiked or virgin, and from Labor Day (rules are rules) through winter.

This warm spiked apple cider recipe uses brandy, which keeps it naturally gluten-free.  While most recipes use a dark liquor like whiskey or bourbon, it’s kind of a grey area if those are gluten-free (technically the distilling process removes the gluten but I wouldn’t want to test that on someone with Celiac).

I prefer the flavor of brandy in a spiked cocktail more than grain alcohol as well as I find those to pack quite a punch.  Brandy adds subtle warmth and flavor. 

So pull up a blanket, turn on the fire, and snuggle up with your favorite fall movie and warm spiked apple cider.

Enjoy!

Spiked Apple Cider Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

• 2 oz brandy (I prefer Korbel)
• 8 oz apple cider (apple as the only ingredient)
• ½ tsp honey (local if you can) 
• 1 orange
• Cinnamon stick

Directions

1. Place apple cider and honey in a microwavable safe mug
2. Microwave for 60 seconds or until warm (see Tips for stovetop method)
3. Pour brandy into the mug
4. Squeeze orange slice into brandy cider mixture
5. Stir with a cinnamon stick

 Tips

• If making a large batch I recommend the stovetop method.  Warm cider and honey in a pot on the stovetop, pour into mugs, then add brandy.  Adding brandy during heating can evaporate the alcohol, which you will NOT want to do.
• If you don’t have a cinnamon stick add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the cider/honey prior to heating.
• Clear mugs add to the festive vibe, totally optional.
• Looking for an apple-based mocktail? Try this Virgin Old Fashioned recipe.

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More Fall-inspired cocktails:

Pumpkin Spice Martini

Dirty Chai Martini

Apple Cider Donut Martini

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