Cinnamon Whiskey Cider Smash – A Cozy, Spiced Fall Cocktail

Sharing is caring!

Apple cider, warm spices, and whiskey make the kind of cocktail that feels like a soft sweater on a cool night. The Cinnamon Whiskey Cider Smash is crisp, a little spicy, and just sweet enough to feel special without being heavy. It comes together quickly, but still feels thoughtful and festive.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or winding down after a long day, this is an easy win. Make one for yourself or scale up for a crowd—either way, it’s the kind of drink people remember.

Print

Cinnamon Whiskey Cider Smash - A Cozy, Spiced Fall Cocktail

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 servings

Ingredients

• 2 ounces cinnamon whiskey (such as Fireball, or regular bourbon with a pinch of ground cinnamon)
• 3 ounces fresh apple cider (unfiltered if possible)
• 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup (adjust to taste; maple syrup also works)
• 3–4 thin apple slices (Honeycrisp or Gala are great)
• 4–5 fresh mint leaves (optional but refreshing)
• 4–5 thin slices of fresh ginger (or a 1/2-inch knob, peeled and sliced)
• Ice (cubes for shaking and crushed or cubed for serving)
• Club soda (optional, for topping)
• Cinnamon stick and/or ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)
• Lemon wheel for garnish (optional)

Instructions

• Prep your glass. Fill a rocks glass with ice to chill it while you build the drink. If you like, rub a lemon wedge around the rim and dip in cinnamon sugar for a light, festive rim.
• Muddle the aromatics. In a shaker, add the apple slices, fresh ginger, and mint leaves. Gently muddle 4–5 times to bruise and release flavor without turning it into mush. You want fragrance and a little juice, not a puree.
• Add the liquids. Pour in the cinnamon whiskey, apple cider, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Taste your cider first; if it’s very sweet, reduce the syrup slightly.
• Shake with ice. Add ice to the shaker and shake for 12–15 seconds until the outside is frosty. This chills and slightly dilutes the drink, rounding out the spice.
• Strain into glass. Dump the ice from your rocks glass, add fresh ice, and fine-strain the drink over it. Fine-straining keeps out ginger fibers and apple bits for a smooth sip.
• Top (optional). For a lighter, spritzy version, add a splash of club soda on top. Stir once to combine.
• Garnish and serve. Add a cinnamon stick, a fresh apple slice, and a lemon wheel. A tiny dusting of ground cinnamon makes it look and smell extra cozy.

Why This Recipe Works

This cocktail balances sweetness and spice with a clean, fresh finish. The apple cider gives body and natural sweetness, while lemon brightens it up.

Fresh ginger and cinnamon whiskey add a warm kick without overwhelming the fruit. A quick muddle of apple and ginger adds texture and aroma, so the drink feels handcrafted. It’s also versatile—you can make it with regular whiskey and a pinch of cinnamon if you don’t have cinnamon whiskey on hand.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces cinnamon whiskey (such as Fireball, or regular bourbon with a pinch of ground cinnamon)
• 3 ounces fresh apple cider (unfiltered if possible)
• 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup (adjust to taste; maple syrup also works)
• 3–4 thin apple slices (Honeycrisp or Gala are great)
• 4–5 fresh mint leaves (optional but refreshing)
• 4–5 thin slices of fresh ginger (or a 1/2-inch knob, peeled and sliced)
• Ice (cubes for shaking and crushed or cubed for serving)
• Club soda (optional, for topping)
• Cinnamon stick and/or ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)
• Lemon wheel for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep your glass. Fill a rocks glass with ice to chill it while you build the drink.

   If you like, rub a lemon wedge around the rim and dip in cinnamon sugar for a light, festive rim.

2. Muddle the aromatics. In a shaker, add the apple slices, fresh ginger, and mint leaves. Gently muddle 4–5 times to bruise and release flavor without turning it into mush. You want fragrance and a little juice, not a puree.
3. Add the liquids. Pour in the cinnamon whiskey, apple cider, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

   Taste your cider first; if it’s very sweet, reduce the syrup slightly.

4. Shake with ice. Add ice to the shaker and shake for 12–15 seconds until the outside is frosty. This chills and slightly dilutes the drink, rounding out the spice.
5. Strain into glass. Dump the ice from your rocks glass, add fresh ice, and fine-strain the drink over it. Fine-straining keeps out ginger fibers and apple bits for a smooth sip.
6. Top (optional). For a lighter, spritzy version, add a splash of club soda on top.

   Stir once to combine.

7. Garnish and serve. Add a cinnamon stick, a fresh apple slice, and a lemon wheel. A tiny dusting of ground cinnamon makes it look and smell extra cozy.

Storage Instructions

• Batch ahead: Mix the cider, whiskey, lemon juice, and sweetener up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate in a sealed container. Do not add ice, soda, or fresh mint until serving.
• Keep it cold: Store the batch in the fridge. If you’re serving over several hours, place the container in an ice bath to keep flavors bright.
• Garnishes: Slice apples just before serving to prevent browning.

  If prepping early, toss slices in a little lemon water and pat dry.

• Leftovers: The batched mix will keep for up to 48 hours in the fridge. Shake before pouring, as cider can settle.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Simple and fast: You can go from zero to cocktail in under five minutes.
• Balanced flavor: Sweet apple, tart lemon, and warm spice land in harmony.
• Flexible: Works with cinnamon whiskey or regular bourbon with a pinch of cinnamon or allspice.
• Seasonal and crowd-pleasing: Feels festive for fall and winter gatherings without being heavy.
• Easy to scale: Doubles or triples cleanly for pitchers and parties.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-muddling: Crushing apple and mint into a paste makes the drink pulpy and bitter. Gentle pressure is enough.
• Skipping fresh citrus: Bottled lemon juice tastes dull.

  Fresh juice makes a huge difference in brightness.

• Using overly sweet cider without adjusting: If your cider is very sweet, reduce or skip the simple syrup to keep the drink balanced.
• Too much cinnamon whiskey: It can dominate. Stick to the suggested amount and adjust slowly.
• Forgetting to fine-strain: Ginger threads and apple bits can make the texture unpleasant. A quick fine-strain keeps it smooth.

Alternatives

• No cinnamon whiskey? Use bourbon or rye plus a small pinch of ground cinnamon or a dash of cinnamon bitters.
• Non-alcoholic version: Swap cinnamon whiskey for spiced tea (strong-brewed cinnamon or chai), or use alcohol-free whiskey.

  Keep the rest the same.

• Maple twist: Replace simple syrup with pure maple syrup for deeper, caramelly sweetness.
• Ginger-forward: Add 1/2 ounce ginger liqueur or top with ginger beer instead of club soda for a spicier kick.
• Pear variation: Use pear nectar or pear cider in place of apple cider and garnish with pear slices.
• Herbal swap: Trade mint for rosemary or thyme for a woodsy note. Smack the herb to release oils before garnishing.
• Warm version: Gently heat cider with a cinnamon stick and a few ginger slices. Pour into a mug with whiskey and lemon.

  Skip the ice and soda.

FAQ

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Yes, but it will be lighter and sweeter with less body. If you use apple juice, reduce the simple syrup and add a tiny pinch of cinnamon or a splash of apple cider vinegar to bring back some depth.

What kind of whiskey works best?

Cinnamon whiskey delivers built-in spice and sweetness. If using regular bourbon or rye, start with a small pinch of ground cinnamon or a dash of aromatic bitters to mimic the warmth.

How do I batch this for a party?

For 8 drinks, combine 2 cups cinnamon whiskey, 3 cups apple cider, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 cup simple syrup in a pitcher.

Chill, then serve over ice and top with club soda if you like. Add fresh apple slices and mint to glasses, not the pitcher, to keep them crisp.

Do I have to use mint?

No. Mint adds freshness, but you can skip it or use rosemary, thyme, or even a thin strip of orange peel for brightness.

How sweet should this cocktail be?

It should lean lightly sweet with a crisp finish.

Taste your cider first and adjust the simple syrup accordingly. The lemon should keep it from feeling heavy.

Can I make it fizzy?

Yes. Add a splash of club soda or ginger beer on top after straining.

Stir gently to combine so you don’t knock out the bubbles.

What ice should I use?

Standard cubes are great for shaking and serving. If you want slower dilution, use a large cube in the serving glass. Crushed ice will chill fast but dilute quicker, which can be nice if your drink tastes a bit strong.

How do I keep apple slices from browning?

Toss them in a little lemon water (1 teaspoon lemon juice in 1/2 cup water) for 1 minute, then pat dry.

This keeps them fresh and photo-ready.

Is there a way to make it lower sugar?

Use unsweetened, unfiltered cider if available, and skip the simple syrup. Add more lemon to balance and consider topping with club soda for lift.

What glass should I use?

A rocks glass is classic. A stemless wine glass works well for the spritzier version, especially with a club soda or ginger beer top.

In Conclusion

The Cinnamon Whiskey Cider Smash is easy, adaptable, and full of cozy character.

It strikes the right balance of apple, spice, and citrus, making it perfect for cool evenings or holiday get-togethers. With a few fresh ingredients and simple steps, you can pour a cocktail that feels both relaxed and special. Keep this one in your fall rotation—you’ll reach for it again and again.