Paul Kushner
The Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey is a crisp and spiced drink that blends the sweetness of apple cider with the bold warmth of cinnamon whiskey. A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors, while seltzer adds a refreshing lift. Garnished with cinnamon sticks, star anise, orange slices, or fresh apple cubes, this cocktail is as festive as it is flavorful. Perfect for autumn evenings, cozy gatherings, or holiday celebrations, it’s a simple yet satisfying drink that highlights seasonal ingredients with a balance of spice, citrus, and fruit.
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Tasting Notes
The Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey blends crisp fruit, spice, and citrus into a drink that feels both warming and refreshing. Cinnamon whiskey provides a bold, spiced base with hints of heat and sweetness. Apple cider complements it with a smooth, fruit-forward profile that softens the spice. Seltzer adds a light, bubbly lift, keeping the cocktail from feeling too heavy, while lemon juice brightens the overall flavor with a touch of tartness. Garnishes of cinnamon sticks, star anise, orange slices, or cubed apples enhance the drink’s aroma and presentation, making it festive and versatile for a range of occasions.
Equipment and Glassware
This Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey requires minimal equipment, making it easy to prepare at home. A jigger ensures accurate measurement of whiskey, cider, lemon juice, and seltzer for balanced flavors. A bar spoon is useful for stirring the ingredients together without disturbing the carbonation of the seltzer. A sharp knife and cutting board are needed if preparing fresh garnishes like orange slices or cubed apples. For serving, a highball glass or rocks glass filled with ice works best, providing enough space for the liquid, bubbles, and garnishes while showcasing the cocktail’s amber-gold color.
Ingredients
- 3 oz apple cider
- 2 oz cinnamon whiskey
- 3 oz seltzer
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- Cinnamon sticks star anise, orange slices, or cubed apples (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a glass, combine the apple cider, cinnamon whiskey, seltzer, and lemon juice. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are mixed.
- Add your choice of garnish, such as cinnamon sticks, star anise, orange slices, or cubed apples, to enhance both the flavor and appearance of the drink.
- Pour the cocktail over ice for a refreshing beverage.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey Cocktail!
Pro Tips
- Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor and depth.
- Chill the cider and seltzer before mixing for a crisper finish.
- Stir gently to avoid losing too much carbonation.
- Choose garnishes that match your desired flavor profile: spice (cinnamon, star anise) or fruit (orange, apple).
- Large ice cubes melt slower, preserving the drink’s balance.
- Adjust lemon juice for more or less acidity depending on your preference.
- For added richness, swap seltzer with ginger beer for a spiced variation.
When to Serve
The Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey Cocktail is ideal for autumn and winter gatherings, particularly around holidays when cider and spices are in season. It works well at Thanksgiving dinners, Halloween parties, or holiday celebrations, offering a drink that feels festive without being overly heavy. Thanks to its balance of bubbles and citrus, it can also be enjoyed during casual weekends or outdoor get-togethers. Whether served as a pre-dinner drink or as a centerpiece cocktail at a party, it offers versatility and seasonal appeal that suits a wide range of occasions.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Cinnamon Whiskey: Fireball for a bold, sweet spice; Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire for a smoother option.
- Apple Cider: Fresh orchard cider or R.W. Knudsen for quality flavor.
- Seltzer: Topo Chico or Fever-Tree for clean carbonation.
- Lemon Juice: Always use freshly squeezed for brightness.
- Garnishes: Organic cinnamon sticks, whole star anise pods, fresh oranges, and crisp apples such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
Similar Cocktails
- Sparkling Spiced Pumpkin Punch
- Cognac Apple Cider Cocktail
- Bourbon Whiskey Sangria
- Apple Cider Cable Car Cocktail
- Harvest Punch
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 oz apple cider
- 2 oz cinnamon whiskey
- 3 oz seltzer
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- Cinnamon sticks star anise, orange slices, or cubed apples (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a glass, combine the apple cider, cinnamon whiskey, seltzer, and lemon juice. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are mixed.
- Add your choice of garnish, such as cinnamon sticks, star anise, orange slices, or cubed apples, to enhance both the flavor and appearance of the drink.
- Pour the cocktail over ice for a refreshing beverage.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Apple Cider Cinnamon Whiskey Cocktail!
Notes
Pro Tips
- For an extra festive touch, consider rimming the glass with cinnamon sugar before mixing the cocktail.
- Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon whiskey depending on how strong you want the cinnamon flavor to be.
