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Fireball Apple Cider Recipe: The Ultimate Cozy Fall Drink

Fireball Apple Cider

A hot, spiced apple cider infused with orange and whole spices, then finished with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky just before serving. This party-size batch makes approximately 12 to 16 servings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cider and Whisky
  • 1 gallon Apple cider
  • 1 cup Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
  • Up to 2 cups total Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, for a stronger batch
Whole Spices and Fruit
  • 3 sticks Cinnamon sticks
  • 1 thinly sliced or quartered Orange
  • 1 thinly sliced, optional Apple
  • 4-6 cloves, optional Whole cloves
  • 2 pods, optional Star anise
For Serving
  • As needed garnish Additional cinnamon sticks, apple slices, or orange peel

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Pour the apple cider into a large saucepan or slow cooker. Add the cinnamon sticks, orange slices or quarters, optional apple slices, cloves, and star anise.
  2. Warm the cider over medium-low heat until it is steaming, then reduce the heat. Do not boil the cider, since boiling can drive off its fresh aroma and some of the alcohol when the whisky is added.
  3. Let the cider simmer or steep for 15 to 30 minutes so the cinnamon, citrus, and whole spices infuse. If using a slow cooker, heat on LOW for about 1 to 2 hours.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat, or switch the slow cooker to its WARM setting. Stir in 1 cup of Fireball just before serving, adding more to taste for a stronger batch.
  5. Strain the cider if desired, then ladle it into mugs. Garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick, apple slice, or strip of orange peel, and serve warm.

Notes

Use fresh or unfiltered apple cider and whole spices for the cleanest flavor. Add Fireball after heating so more of its cinnamon character and alcohol remain. For a stronger drink, use up to 2 cups of Fireball total or offer extra whisky separately.