Spiced Gin-Infused Apple Cider
A warm, spiced cocktail that combines the bold flavors of gin with the comforting sweetness of apple cider, perfect for cozy evenings. This american-inspired quick meals ready in about 15 minutes brings together gin, apple cider, freshly grated nutmeg for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. 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 gin
- 4 oz apple cider
- 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 pieces cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Step 1: In a heatproof mixing glass, add 2 oz gin, 4 oz apple cider, 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 tbsp orange zest, and 1 tbsp maple syrup. Stir vigorously for 30 seconds to combine.
- Step 2: Pour the mixture into a mason jar and seal it tightly. Let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour to allow the spices to infuse.
- Step 3: After infusion, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl. Add 1/2 cup of boiling water and stir until the maple syrup dissolves completely.
- Step 4: Divide the spiced cider into 4 mugs. Garnish each with a cinnamon stick and a slice of orange. Serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Gin-Infused Apple Cider take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Spiced Gin-Infused Apple Cider?
Refrigerate any leftover spiced gin-infused apple cider in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Gin-Infused 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 Spiced Gin-Infused Apple Cider for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Spiced Gin-Infused Apple Cider?
American 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.