Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey

There’s something about winter mornings and holiday nights that makes a warm drink feel even better. When the weather cools and the days start filling with small gatherings, I look for a cocktail that’s simple, comforting, and still feels a little special. This Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey cocktail has become that drink for me.

It first showed up during a small backyard get-together in late fall, but it didn’t stay a fall drink for long. By Christmas, it became the cocktail I mixed for friends on nights when the cold lingered and everyone wanted something easy to sip.

What makes this Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey cocktail stand out during winter is how steady the flavor feels. The apple cider brings a soft sweetness, the cinnamon whiskey adds warmth that fits Christmas week, and the lemon keeps the drink from tasting too heavy. The seltzer gives it a light finish during long holiday dinners or while waiting for midnight on New Year’s Eve. It suits the season without feeling too sweet, and it’s simple enough to mix for one person or a whole group.

This Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey cocktail brings together simple ingredients that create a warm, steady flavor. The apple cider delivers natural sweetness, the cinnamon whiskey deepens the taste, and the seltzer lightens the whole drink. It works well for Christmas gatherings, winter dinners, or New Year’s nights when you need an easy apple cider mixed drink that still feels festive.

A few reasons it’s a favorite

• Quick to mix during busy winter hosting
• Short ingredient list
• Fits Christmas, winter, and New Year celebrations
• Looks great with apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or star anise
• Light enough for afternoon sipping
• Easy to scale for a holiday pitcher

This Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey cocktail feels thoughtful without taking much time, which helps when you’ve already got plenty going on during the holidays.

Ingredients

Each ingredient plays an important part in the flavor of this Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey cocktail. The cider brings the apple base, the cinnamon whiskey adds warmth, and the lemon brightens the drink. The seltzer keeps it refreshing, so the apple cider whiskey drink never tastes too heavy.

• 3 oz apple cider
• 2 oz cinnamon whiskey
• 3 oz seltzer
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
• star anise (for garnish)
• orange slices (for garnish)
• apples cubed (for garnish)

Choose a cider with a strong apple taste. It gives the Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey cocktail its core flavor and works better than clear apple juice. The cinnamon whiskey adds holiday spice, making this a great winter cocktail. Lemon adds brightness, and the garnishes finish the drink with color and aroma.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

This Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey cocktail changes slightly depending on the cinnamon whiskey you use. If you have a favorite brand, it will probably work well, but these options pair nicely with apple cider.

• Fireball for a bold fireball apple cider cocktail
• Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire for a smooth finish
• Early Times Cinnamon for a budget-friendly pick
• Regular whiskey with a pinch of cinnamon if you need a quick substitution
• A half-and-half mix of cinnamon whiskey and regular whiskey for a milder apple cider alcohol drink

If the cinnamon whiskey tastes sweeter than you want, pick an unsweetened cider or add a little more lemon to balance the drink.

Equipment and Glassware

You don’t need much to make this Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey cocktail. Basic tools are enough, but using nicer glassware can make it feel more festive during Christmas or New Year gatherings.

• Rocks Glass or a
• Tall Glass
• Bar Spoon
• Jigger
• Knife and Cutting Board for garnishes

A rocks glass gives the Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey cocktail a stronger apple and cinnamon taste, while a tall glass makes it lighter with more seltzer.

How to Make It

This Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey cocktail mixes in a few simple steps. It’s easy enough to make during a holiday dinner or a winter gathering without pausing the conversation.

1. Fill your glass with ice.
2. Pour in the apple cider and cinnamon whiskey.
3. Add the lemon juice.
4. Top with seltzer.
5. Stir gently.
6. Add your garnish of choice.

Taste as you mix. More lemon brightens the drink. More apple cider adds sweetness. You can customize this apple cider cocktail based on your mood.

Pro Tips

These small tips help your Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey cocktail taste even better.

• Chill the apple cider
• Use fresh lemon juice
• Try orange or apple-flavored seltzer
• Add extra ice for a lighter finish
• Use wide apple slices for garnish
• Add a sugar rim for a sweeter edge
• Add a splash of ginger beer for a warm kick
• Adjust each ingredient based on your taste

Once you get comfortable with the base mix, it’s easy to change this apple cider alcohol drink in small ways that fit your holiday plans.

Variations

These twists keep the heart of the Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey cocktail while changing the drink’s feel depending on the moment.

• Non alcoholic version using NA cinnamon whiskey or cider with ginger beer
• Add cranberry juice for a sharper winter fruit flavor
• Use spiced apple cider for stronger holiday notes
• Swap seltzer for ginger ale if you want a sweeter apple cider mixed drink
• Warm version by heating the cider and skipping the seltzer

Each version keeps the apple cider and cinnamon whiskey combination at the center of the drink.

When to Serve and Pairings

This Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey cocktail is perfect for Christmas gatherings, winter fire pit nights, and New Year celebrations. It’s a steady drink that works for late afternoons, long dinners, or relaxed evenings.

Good pairings

• Brie, cheddar, or gouda
• Apple desserts
• Nuts or pretzels
• BBQ dishes
• Roasted chicken or turkey

If you’re building a holiday cocktail menu, this apple cider cocktail pairs well with cranberry drinks, maple cocktails, spritzes with winter fruit, and warm drinks for colder nights.

Storage and Serving Notes

Apple cider tastes best when fresh, so mix this Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey cocktail right before serving. If you’re hosting, you can premix the cider, cinnamon whiskey, and lemon juice in a pitcher. Keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Add the seltzer only when pouring to keep the apple cider mixed drink bubbly.

To make a larger batch, keep the cider and seltzer in equal parts, and adjust the cinnamon whiskey to your desired strength. Keep the ice separate so the drink doesn’t get watered down.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice?
Yes. The drink will taste lighter, but the Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey cocktail still works.

Does the cinnamon whiskey brand matter?
Any brand works, so pick one you enjoy.

Can I make this drink warm?
Yes. Heat the cider, then add the whiskey. Skip the seltzer.

Can this be made ahead?
Yes. Mix the cider, whiskey, and lemon. Add seltzer right before serving.

What garnishes fit best?
Cinnamon sticks, apple slices, and star anise.

More Cocktails to Try

If you love the warm, fruity flavor of this Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey cocktail, other drinks offer the same comforting feel. These recipes are great next steps.

• Sparkling Spiced Pumpkin Punch
• Cognac Apple Cider Cocktail
• Bourbon Whiskey Sangria
• Apple Cider Cable Car Cocktail
• Harvest Punch