Name: Spiked Apple Cider
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 - 64 oz. jugs of apple juice or apple cider; 2 star anise; 2-3 cinnamon sticks (plus more for serving); 1 cup fresh cranberries (frozen okay); 1 apple (sliced); 1-2 oranges (sliced); 750 ml bottle of Tuaca ((Brandy))

A warm, spiced spiked apple cider with hints of orange, cinnamon, anise, and cranberries spiked with the subtle sweetness of Tuaca.

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Spiked apple cider is ideal for parties. No mixing or shaking individual drinks plus you can make large quantities if you want. The adult apple cider cocktail is one of our favorite Tuaca cocktails, which is our go to apple cider alcohol. But read on for other alcohol and non-alcohol ideas.

Table of Contents

Apple Cider Cocktail Ingredients:

2 – 64 oz. jugs of apple juice or apple cider
2 star anise
2-3 cinnamon sticks – plus more for serving
1 cup fresh cranberries – frozen okay
1 apple – sliced
1-2 oranges – sliced
750 ml bottle of Tuaca

POSSIBLE VARIATIONS

VODKA + SIMPLE SYRUP

Mix 18 oz. of vodka with 6 oz of simple syrup. Try Stef’s simple syrup recipe.

FIREBALL WHISKEY

Substitute Fireball in this recipe for an extra kick.

BOURBON

Add bourbon to the recipe instead of Tuaca.

MARGARITA CIDER

Add 6 oz. of lemon juice, 12 oz. of whiskey and 12 oz. of tequila with 3 cups of sugar to this apple cider recipe instead of Tuaca.

Essential

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES

Prepare your work surface and gather these kitchen tools and supplies before you begin this delicious, easy-to-make recipe so you don’t waste extra time trying to find things you need.

large stock pot or Crock Pot
ladle for scooping and serving
cutting board
knife

champagne being poured into two champagne glasses full of blackberry puree in bottom of glass. Bubbles foaming out of top of glass

BLACKBERRY COCKTAIL

CLICK FOR RECIPE

RED WINE
SANGRIA

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INSTRUCTIONS

ADD CIDER TO POT: Pour two containers of apple juice/cider into a stockpot.

PREPARE FRUIT: Rinse and slice apple and orange. Slice the apples horizontally top to bottom for a pretty star effect in the center slices.

SIMMER: Add the fruit, star anise, and a couple cinnamon sticks to the juice. Heat over medium until mixture reaches a low simmer. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

ADD ALCOHOL: Ladle hot cider into mugs. Add 1-2 ounces of Tuaca to the mug. Serve with a cinnamon stick and a few cranberries.

two clear glass mugs filled with golden apple cider cocktail with cranberries, cinnamon sticks in them. Bottle of Tuaca pouring into one mug..

white large pot full of adult apple cider full of cranberries, cinnamon sticks, orange and apple slices

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click the questions to see the answer.

How long can you refrigerate spiked apple cider?

You can refrigerate spiked apple cider in a covered container for 4-5 days.

Can you freeze spiked apple cider?

No, you cannot.

What is Tuaca?

Tuaca is a naturally flavored orange Brandy liqueur from Italy.

Can you make spiked apple cider without the alcohol?

Absolutely! Omit the alcohol and you’ll have hot apple cider for all ages.

Enjoy spiked apple cocktails with a full meal with these other recipe:

Main Dish: Dry Brine Turkey – If you’re in the mood for a whole turkey definitely try this recipe!
Side Dish: Creamy Mashed Potatoes – These are my favorite mashed potatoes.
Salad: Italian Salad– This classic side dish is colorful and full of flavor!
Bread: Pizza Dough Garlic Knots – YUM!
Dessert: Apple Pie – This needs no introduction! Apple pie goes perfectly with this adult apple cider.

5 from 3 votes

Spiked Apple Cider

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

16 Cups

A warm, spiced spiked apple cider with hints of orange, cinnamon, anise, and cranberries spiked with the subtle sweetness of Tuaca.

Ingredients

▢ 2 – 64 oz. jugs of apple juice or apple cider
▢ 2 star anise
▢ 2-3 cinnamon sticks plus more for serving
▢ 1 cup fresh cranberries frozen okay
▢ 1 apple sliced
▢ 1-2 oranges sliced
▢ 750 ml bottle of Tuaca (Brandy)

Instructions

Pour two containers of apple juice/cider into a stockpot.
Rinse and slice apple and orange. Slice the apples horizontally top to bottom for a pretty star effect in the center slices.
Add the fruit, star anise, and a couple cinnamon sticks to the juice. Heat over medium until mixture reaches a low simmer. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Ladle hot cider into mugs. Add 1-2 ounces of Tuaca to the mug. Serve with a cinnamon stick and a few cranberries.