Cline Kickoff Spiced Apple Cider
A warm and gently spiced apple cider cocktail with a kick of rye whiskey, perfect for crisp evenings and game day toasts. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 13 minutes pairs rye whiskey, hot apple cider, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 5 oz hot apple cider
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves cloves
- 1 star star anise
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan, warm 5 oz apple cider with 2 whole cloves and 1 star anise over low heat for 5 minutes without boiling, then strain out the spices.
- Step 2: Pour 2 oz rye whiskey and 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice into a pre-warmed heatproof mug.
- Step 3: Add the hot spiced apple cider to the mug and stir gently to combine.
- Step 4: Garnish with a cinnamon stick placed inside the mug and a thin lemon wheel floated on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cline Kickoff Spiced Apple Cider take to make?
Total time is about 13 minutes (8 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cline Kickoff Spiced Apple Cider?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rye whiskey from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cline Kickoff Spiced Apple Cider?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cline Kickoff Spiced Apple Cider for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cline Kickoff Spiced Apple Cider?
Cocktails quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
