This sparkling apple cider cocktail spiked with Jack Daniels Fire whiskey is the ultimate Thanksgiving or Christmas drink. The warm cinnamon notes bring fresh apple cider to life and turn this cocktail into our favorite boozy fall drink. You can serve it to a crowd or as single-serve cocktails.
On cold winter days, you might also like this homemade mulled wine or this alcoholic hot chocolate with Jack Daniel's Fire.
How to make apple cider cocktail
To make this apple cider whiskey cocktail, you'll need Jack Daniel's Fire (a cinnamon-flavored whiskey) and fresh apple cider. If possible, get your cider from an apple orchard or co-op near you. You can find potential substitutions below.
This cocktail recipe is very simple and uncomplicated. Simply mix the cider and the whiskey, give it a stir and you're done. You can serve it with a few slices of apple and a cinnamon stick if you'd like.
How to rim cocktail glasses like a pro
All you need to rim cocktail glasses is lemon juice and a little sugar. Put the lemon juice and the sugar into two different containers or on saucers. Dip the rim of each glass in lemon juice first, then in sugar.
Expert tip: making circular movements will help to coat the rim of the glass evenly.
Serve it in a punch bowl
Making this apple cider whiskey cocktail in a punch bowl is a fun way to serve it at a fall dinner party or on Thanksgiving or Christmas. It looks festive and allows everyone to get a refill anytime without having to ask the host.
If you get half a gallon of apple cider (64 fluid ounces) you can make about 12 cocktails (see recipe below). Feel free to adapt the quantities based on the number of servings you need.
Alcohol free version
To make it alcohol-free and turn it into a sparkling mocktail, replace the apple cider with sparkling apple juice (or mix apple juice and sparkling water at a 3:1 ratio) and use cinnamon syrup instead of Jack Daniel's Fire.
Substitutions
- Apple cider: if you don't have apple cider, mix apple juice and sparkling water at a 3:1 ratio. This will slightly reduce the alcohol content of the cocktail. You could also use ginger ale instead of apple cider. The cocktail will be a little more spicy and bitter.
- Jack Daniel's Fire: you can substitute this whiskey for any cinnamon whiskey, such as Fireball (which is also a little more affordable). If you can't find a cinnamon flavored whiskey, swap it for regular whiskey and about 1 teaspoon of cinnamon syrup per serving (more to taste). This might result in a slightly sweeter cocktail.
Frequently asked questions
You can either drink this Jack Daniel's Fire apple cider cocktail cold on the rocks or reheat it until warm and steamy.
Yes, leftover apple cider needs to be refrigerated. You can store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Jack Daniel's Fire is a cinnamon-flavored Tennessee Whiskey.
Apple cider can be spiked with whiskey, bourbon or spiced rum. Our favorite option is cinnamon whiskey such as Jack Daniel's Fire or Fireball.
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The recipe
Apple Cider Whiskey Cocktail with Jack Daniel's Fire
Ingredients
- ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar (see notes) or brown sugar
- 2 ice cubes
- 1.5 fluid ounces (45 ml) Jack Daniel's Fire whiskey or use whiskey and 1 teaspoon cinnamon syrup (more to taste)
- 8 fluid ounces (235 ml) apple cider
Add-ins (optional)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 apple cut in slices
Instructions
Rim the glasses (optional)
- Juice half a lemon. Carefully pour the juice onto a plate or in a small container. Add the sugar to another plate or container.
- Gently dip the rim of a clean glass in lemon juice, then in coconut sugar. Make circular motions to coat the rim evenly.
Make the cocktail
- Add the ice cubes to a glass. Pour the Jack Daniel's Fire (or whisky and cinnamon syrup) into the glass or cocktail bowl. Fill it with apple cider. Give it a stir with a spoon or a cinnamon stick. Serve with apple slices if desired.
Notes
- Coconut sugar has a subtle toffee flavor that works really well with this cinnamon apple cider cocktail. Brown sugar works well, too!
- To make it alcohol-free: replace the apple cider with sparkling apple juice (or apple juice mixed with a splash of sparkling water) and use cinnamon syrup instead of cinnamon whiskey.
- For a crowd (8 cocktails): you can make the cocktail in a punch bowl. Use half a gallon (64 fluid ounces) apple cider and 12 ounces Jack Daniel's Fire.
Nutrition
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Great idea
Thanks! The combination of apple cider and Jack Daniel's Fire is definitely simple but delicious.
Great for winter evening!
Definitely perfect on cold fall and winter days!
I like how easy and uncomplicated this receipe was. The Jack Daniel's Fire gives an extra touch to the cocktail. I highly recommend it and I will definitely do it again.
So glad to hear you'll make this cocktail again!
Wow, excellent idea!
Will definitely use this recipe again when friends are on visit (or when I'm alone hehe). Thanks for sharing this recipe with us!:)
Thank you! The cocktail is definitely perfect for fall dinner parties 😀 Enjoy!
Fire at will! Nice mix with a kick!
Planning a batch for Xmas party, sure to be a hit!
I couldn't have said it any better! Happy holidays!
Great stuff! Not much into cider but this definitely won me over. Keep them coming!
Yay! Happy to hear this cocktail was appreciated 😄