Big Batch Spiked Fireball Apple Cider Recipe
Homemade apple cider is one of my favorite things to make in the fall, and I’ve spent years perfecting my recipe. Our whole family loves it, and now that we have older kids, we like to spice it up a little. So this year, I decided to make a Big Batch Spiked Fireball Apple Cider Recipe. There’s something truly inviting about the warmth and spice of apple cider simmering on the stove, especially when you elevate it with some Fireball Cinnamon Whisky.
This recipe is great for chilly nights when you want something both comforting and a little festive. It’s the absolute perfect drink for the fall season and holiday parties! And if you prefer just delicious homemade hot cider, skip the whisky and enjoy it as is!
**This post may contain affiliate links. The cost to you doesn’t change, but I may make a small commission from items purchased.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Big batch for parties. This recipe is designed to serve a crowd, so you’re all set for your parties. You can sit back and enjoy your gathering instead of playing bartender all night!
Warm and cozy. The Fireball whisky adds a sweet cinnamon kick that pairs perfectly with apple cider. It’s not too overpowering, but just enough to keep you warm and cozy.
Tastes and smells delicious. Not only does this cider taste delicious, but it also makes your whole house smell like cinnamon and spice. It’s like a drinkable stove-top simmer pot!
How to Make Big Batch Spiked Fireball Apple Cider Recipe
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Measuring Spoons
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Ladle
- Mugs or Lowball glasses
- Fine mesh strainer (optional)
Ingredients:
- 2 Quarts Apple Juice
- ½ cup Orange Juice
- ¼ cup Lemon Juice
- 6 Cinnamon Sticks, plus extra for garnish
- 10 Whole Cloves
- ½ Tsp Ground Nutmeg
- ½ Tsp Ground Ginger
- Fireball Cinnamon Whisky
- 1 Apple, thinly sliced
- 1 Orange, thinly sliced
to a simmer.
Instructions:
- Put the apple juice, orange juice, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg and ginger into a large pot.
- Slice the apple and orange. Place several slices of each in the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then turn the heat to low and simmer for about 20-30 minutes or as long as you want. (It makes your kitchen smell amazing!)
- Then add the Fireball and stir to combine. Simmer for a few more minutes.
Serving Options:
- With your ladle, serve the cider hot in a coffee mug.
- Or let cool and serve chilled in a lowball glass with one large ice cube. If serving cold, you can make this the day before your gathering.
- When you get to the bottom of the pot, you may need to strain the cider
- Garnish with an apple or orange slice and a cinnamon stick.
Pro Tips
Simmer slowly. Let the cider slowly heat up to allow the flavors to blend, and it will make your kitchen smell amazing! You can make this several hours before your party, so your house smells great. Just add the Fireball when you are finished simmering and almost ready to serve.
Don’t forget garnishes. Add an extra cinnamon stick, apple slice, or even a twist of orange peel in each mug for an extra cozy vibe.
Be careful when adding the alcohol. Do not add the Fireball if the cider is boiling. Always keep the heat on low – not above a simmer – when adding the alcohol to avoid any flare-ups. And when reheating, don’t bring the cider to a boil; heat it on low and don’t let it boil above a simmer.
Recipe Riffs & Swaps
Make it a mocktail. Skip the Fireball but still serve the fresh cider in a fun glass with a garnish. The kids will appreciate it!
Serve over ice. Let the cider cool and serve over ice. Honestly, I love it both ways!
Spice it up. Add fresh ginger or star anise to the pot for a little extra zing.
Freezing & Storing
Freezing: This cider is best fresh, but can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat (per the instructions below).
Storing: Store leftover cider in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in a sealed container. Warm gently on the stove before serving, stirring well to redistribute spices and alcohol evenly.
How To Reheat
Stovetop Method. Put the cider in a large pot on low heat to gently warm the cider, stirring occasionally. You can bring it to a simmer, but avoid boiling.
Microwave Method. Use the microwave to reheat a single serving of cider. Give the cider a good stir, pour it into a microwave-safe mug, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through and be careful not to overheat or boil.
This Big Batch Spiked Fireball Apple Cider recipe is my go-to fall hot cocktail. Give it a try for all of your upcoming fall parties, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s so easy to make, and it allows you to sit back and enjoy entertaining without the hassle of making individual drinks.
Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or pouring yourself a quiet nightcap, it’s the hot toddy you will crave throughout the cold weather season. Most of all, enjoy sipping something homemade that’s designed to share warmth and good times with your friends and family!
Need an apple recipe to accompany the cider? Check out my Apple Cider Bread recipe baked in mini loaves. Serve alongside the spiked apple cider for the best fall dessert.
If you like this recipe, hang around and explore our other easy recipes for parties!
Big Batch Spiked Fireball Apple Cider Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Put the apple juice, orange juice, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg and ginger into a large pot.
- Slice the apple and orange. Place several slices of each in the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then turn the heat to low and simmer for about 20-30 minutes or as long as you want. (It makes your kitchen smell amazing!)
- Then add the Fireball and stir to combine. Simmer for a few more minutes.
- Serve hot in a coffee mug or…
- Let cool and serve chilled in a lowball glass with one large ice cube. If serving cold, you can make this the day before your gathering.
- Garnish with an apple or orange slice and a cinnamon stick.
Notes
Happy Hosting!
