Wickedly Sweet Spiced Apple Cider
A warm cocktail that blends spiced apple cider with a touch of bourbon and cinnamon for a cozy, popular seasonal treat. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together bourbon, hot spiced apple cider, fresh lemon juice 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 1, 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 bourbon
- 4 oz hot spiced apple cider
- 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 stick cinnamon stick
- 1 whole clove
- optional, for serving cold ice cubes
- 1 slice apple slice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Warm 4 oz of spiced apple cider gently on the stove or microwave until steaming but not boiling.
- Step 2: In a heatproof glass or mug, pour 2 oz bourbon and add 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice.
- Step 3: Pour the warm spiced apple cider over the bourbon and lemon juice mixture.
- Step 4: Stir gently to combine, then add 1 cinnamon stick and 1 whole clove for infusion.
- Step 5: Garnish with a thin apple slice placed on the rim or floated on top.
- Step 6: Optional: For a cold version, cool the cider before mixing and serve over ice cubes in a rocks glass.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Wickedly Sweet Spiced Apple Cider take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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 Wickedly Sweet Spiced Apple Cider?
Refrigerate any leftover wickedly sweet spiced 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 Wickedly Sweet 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 Wickedly Sweet 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 Wickedly Sweet Spiced Apple Cider?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks 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.
