Tequila Apple Cider

How to Make Tequila Apple Cider

1. 1

   Step 1: Combine cider and spices

   Pour the apple cider into a medium saucepan and add the cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. Stir in the maple syrup to sweeten and bring the mixture to room temperature before heating so flavors blend evenly.

   For this step

   • 4 cupsApple cider (unfiltered)
   • 3 stickCinnamon sticks
   • 6 clove(s)Whole cloves
   • 2 tbspPure maple syrup
   
2. 2

   Step 2: Warm and infuse

   Set the saucepan over medium-low heat and warm the cider until it just begins to steam, then reduce to low. Let it simmer gently for 8–10 minutes so the cinnamon and cloves infuse without boiling off the volatile flavors.
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Finish with tequila and lemon

   Remove the saucepan from the heat and wait 1 minute so the liquid cools slightly, then stir in the reposado tequila and fresh lemon juice. Cooling briefly preserves more alcohol and bright lemon flavor while still keeping the drink comfortably warm.

   For this step

   • 8 fl ozReposado tequila
   • 2 tbspFresh lemon juice
   
4. 4

   Step 4: Serve and garnish

   Ladle the warm cider into heatproof mugs and garnish each with a few thin apple slices and a cinnamon stick. Optionally strain out the cloves before serving for a cleaner presentation.

   For this step

   • 1 mediumApple (for garnish), thinly sliced
   
5. 5

   Step 5: Tips for serving and variation

   Keep the cider warm in a covered saucepan on the lowest heat or in a slow cooker on the warm setting for parties. For a nonalcoholic version, omit the tequila and add a splash of extra lemon or a cinnamon schnapps substitute syrup for depth.
   

1. Pour the apple cider into a medium saucepan and add the cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. Stir in the maple syrup to sweeten and bring the mixture to room temperature before heating so flavors blend evenly.
2. Set the saucepan over medium-low heat and warm the cider until it just begins to steam, then reduce to low. Let it simmer gently for 8–10 minutes so the cinnamon and cloves infuse without boiling off the volatile flavors.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and wait 1 minute so the liquid cools slightly, then stir in the reposado tequila and fresh lemon juice. Cooling briefly preserves more alcohol and bright lemon flavor while still keeping the drink comfortably warm.
4. Ladle the warm cider into heatproof mugs and garnish each with a few thin apple slices and a cinnamon stick. Optionally strain out the cloves before serving for a cleaner presentation.
5. Keep the cider warm in a covered saucepan on the lowest heat or in a slow cooker on the warm setting for parties. For a nonalcoholic version, omit the tequila and add a splash of extra lemon or a cinnamon schnapps substitute syrup for depth.