Spiked Caramel Apple Cider Recipe for Fall Gatherings

An easy boozy hot apple cider made with caramel vodka, finished with a cinnamon stick and a fresh apple slice.

Serve this cozy cocktail on chilly evenings or as a warm option for a Halloween or fall gathering.

Boozy hot apple cider in glass mason jar mug topped with skewer with fresh apple slice and a cinnamon stick

Picture this: a cool autumn night, your favorite blanket, a binge-worthy show, and a steaming mug of spiked apple cider scented with caramel and cinnamon—pure comfort.

Hot apple cider spiked with caramel vodka in a glass mug with apple and cinnamon stick garnish. Next to the mug are apples and a spoon.

This simple recipe is quick to make, easy to scale for a crowd, and delightful both warm and chilled.

Ingredients

Gather the following:

Apple cider – Use your preferred brand or fresh-pressed cider from a local orchard.
Caramel-flavored vodka – Smirnoff Kissed Caramel or a similar caramel vodka adds a rich, sweet depth.
Cinnamon stick and apple slice – Optional garnishes that add aroma and visual appeal.

Variations

Chilled: Serve over ice for a refreshing, cold autumn cocktail.
Cinnamon vodka: Swap in cinnamon-flavored vodka for a spicier variation.

Top-down view of smirnoff caramel vodka being poured into glass mug of apple cider

How to Make Boozy Hot Apple Cider

Warm the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
Pour the heated cider into a mug and stir in the caramel vodka.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an apple slice, and serve warm.

Recipe Tips

Adjust strength: For a stronger drink, reduce the cider to 6 ounces per serving. For a milder drink, increase the cider to 10 ounces.
Scale easily: Double or triple the ingredients to serve a crowd—keep the proportions the same and warm the cider in a larger pot.
Presentation: Serve in clear mugs to showcase the warm amber color, and add a skewer with an apple slice and cinnamon stick for a festive touch.

More apple-flavored cocktails & shots

Apple cider mimosas
Caramel apple jello shots
Apple cider sangria
Caramel apple shots

Recipe

Boozy hot apple cider in glass mug garnished with apple slice and cinnamon stick

Recipe

4.84 from 12 votes

Boozy Caramel Apple Cider

Author: Jaclyn

Prep: 5

Total: 5

A warm apple cider spiked with caramel vodka and garnished with cinnamon and apple.

Servings: 1

Rate

Ingredients

8 ounces apple cider
2 ounces caramel-flavored vodka
cinnamon stick and apple slice, for garnish

Instructions

Warm apple cider in a small pan over medium heat.
Pour into your favorite mug, add 2 ounces of caramel vodka, and stir to combine.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and/or fresh apple slice and serve warm.

Notes

For a stronger drink, reduce the cider to 6 ounces.

For a weaker drink, increase the cider to 10 ounces.

Easy to double or triple for a party or gathering.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 436kcal

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