Wine Apple Cider Cocktail is the perfect warming, easy to make drink for fall and winter!  Mulled white or red wine with cider, cinnamon whiskey, and orange!

apple cider cocktail in four glasses

Apple Cider Cocktail:

I could not be more excited about this cozy autumn (or winter, or whenever) beverage!  Mostly because I polled all of you readers on Instagram and you all have been excited and patiently waiting for this one.  When I did the poll I had asked if you guys preferred red or white wine, and we were almost at 50/50 so I created this cocktail around whichever your preference is.  I liked the idea of doing a cider cocktail because I always end up with a gallon of it and need more uses for the stuff, you could also use Homemade Apple Cider if you wish! This is a basic drink that doesn’t need a whole lot of explanation.  It’s simply simmering your fave wine on the stovetop with cinnamon whisky (like Fireball), apple cider, cinnamon sticks, oranges and apples.  I do add vanilla extract and maple syrup for some extra flavor, but those are optional.  While your here if you’re looking for another holiday season drink, try out our Cranberry Sangria!

wine apple cider cocktail in glass

What Type of Wine to Use:

As far as what wine to use it is going to come down to preference.  As far as white wine, I used a Sauvignon blanc and for red I tested and love Pinot Noir.  Keep in mind that you can spend as little or as much as you want here on wine.  If you are a wine connoisseur (I’m not) you may want to spend a little more but I think this is one you can keep really budget friendly.  The white wine that I used was only 10.00 for the bottle, and the red was 13.00 and they were just fine.  If you like a really sweet cocktail then consider using a white Moscato or a sweet red table wine like Lambrusco.

Recipe Tips:

  • Make sure to use a wine that you enjoy drinking plain, because the flavor will be pronounced even with the cider.  If you don’t usually drink wine, start with my tips above!
  • Cinnamon Whiskey:  I used Fireball, but you can use a Jack Daniel’s or any brand you can find and prefer.
  • Whiskey substitutes:  I think you could use just regular bourbon here, it just wouldn’t have as much fall flavor.  Other options would be a nice apple or vanilla whiskey.
  • Maple Syrup:  You can leave this out if you wish.  I like the flavor and slight sweetness it adds to the drink.  If you don’t have syrup you can also use honey.
  • You can also make this in your slow cooker by combining everything and cooking for 1-2 hours on low.  Great to do it this way and keep on warm for a party.

red and white apple cider cocktails

Enjoy!

~Nichole

5 from 10 votes

Wine Apple Cider Cocktail

Wine Apple Cider Cocktail is the perfect warming, easy to make drink for fall and winter!  Mulled white or red wine with cider, cinnamon whiskey, and orange!
Prep 5 minutes
Cook 20 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients 

  • 1 750 ML Bottle Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc
  • 4 Cups Apple Cider
  • 1/2 Cup Cinnamon Whiskey, Such as Fireball
  • 2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 3-4 Cinnamon Sticks
  • 1 Large Honeycrisp Apple, Thinly Sliced
  • 1 Large Orange, Sliced

Instructions 

  • Combine the wine, cider, whiskey, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a large pot and whisk to combine.
  • Place the pot on the stove over medium heat and add the sliced apples and oranges.
  • Bring the mixture to a light simmer and continue simmering for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the pot from the heat.
  • Ladle the wine into mugs and garnish with extra cinnamon sticks, sliced apples, and oranges as desired.

Video

Notes

NOTE ABOUT WINE:  Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc are what I tested this recipe with.  You can use your favorite wine instead.  
NOTE ABOUT SWEETNER:  The maple syrup adds a very light sweet taste and great flavor, but can be left out.  You can also use honey instead.
NOTE ABOUT WHISKEY:  I used Fireball, you can use any brand of cinnamon whiskey.  If you wish, you can use plain whiskey/bourbon, or an apple or vanilla flavored whiskey instead.

Additional Info

Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Like this? Rate & review this recipe below!

 


Hey! Nice to meet you! I'm Nichole!

Welcome to The Salty Marshmallow! I'm a mom, animal lover, photographer, & kitchen mess-maker. Here you will find the result of my decades-long passion for chasing the best flavors in the kitchen, all meant to be cooked by regular people with busy lives just like you and me.

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