This delicious Boozy Hot Apple Cider recipe has an adult punch to it with brandy and Tuaca added for an additional warm-up factor. Plus, add homemade boozy whipped cream to make this a treat you will want to drink all winter long!
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Why I Love This Recipe
I love it when it's cold outside and I can be inside next to a fire with a winter warmer drink in my hand. I always like to have apple cider on hand in the winter for the kids.
This Boozy Hot Apple Cider recipe is easy to make so the adults can enjoy apple cider too. I also love whipped cream and the boozy whipped cream on this cider makes it even better.
Ingredients for Boozy Hot Apple Cider
Apple Cider: unfiltered apple cider is my choice for this recipe and may contain some sediment or pulp, giving it a richer and more robust flavor compared to regular apple juice.
Tuaca: Tuaca is a sweet and smooth Italian liqueur with a hint of vanilla and citrus flavors. It adds a unique and aromatic touch to this apple cider cocktail.
Brandy or Whiskey: Brandy and whiskey are both popular choices for adding a boozy kick to apple cider cocktails. Brandy is a spirit distilled from wine, while whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash.
Freshly Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg adds warmth and a hint of spice to the cocktail. While freshly grated is best, you can also use ground nutmeg.
Boozy Whipped Cream: Boozy whipped cream is a delightful addition to this cocktail, providing a creamy and indulgent texture. This recipe has Tuaca whipped cream that takes this drink from good to excellent.
Ginger Syrup: Ginger syrup is a sweet syrup made from ginger root and sugar. You can make your own, but some, or use ginger liqueur instead.
More Fall Cocktail Recipes To Try
How To Make Adult Apple Cider
Add the apple cider to a small saucepan and warm up without boiling. Remove from the heat and pour it into a mug or cup that can hold hot liquid.
Stir in ginger syrup and brandy or whiskey. Top with Tuaca whipped cream and sprinkle grated nutmeg on top.
Recipe FAQs
Tuaca is a delicious liquor with a spicy and citrus blend that gives drinks more depth and warmth, perfect for cold weather. The Tuaca.com description: "Tuaca is an enticing blend of Italian Brandy, Mediterranean Citrus, and Vanilla Spice.
Tuaca is a fine spirit with subtle notes of vanilla and citrus, hints of butterscotch, cola, dried fig, and other flavors that reveal themselves uniquely to each individual drinker."
I've used both alcohols for this drink which is why I list both as an option. This is completely up to you depending on your preference.
It will also depend on what type of drink you are craving. Brandy will make the drink sweeter and smoother whereas whiskey will add a little more fire to the drink. Both are delicious in my opinion so I say "bartender's choice!"
If you can't find Tuaca, some alternatives are Licor 43, Gran Gala, Grand Marnier, Vanilla Vodka, or Crème de Vanille.
How to Make Boozy Whipped Cream
Add the heavy whipping cream to a mixing bowl and whip with a hand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar, Tuaca, and vanilla and continue to beat until stiff, about another 3-4 minutes.
Of course, you can use regular whipped cream or skip it altogether. I highly recommend the freshly ground nutmeg on top regardless of the whipped cream.
It adds a warm and delicious aroma and taste. If you don't have it handy, you could also use ground cinnamon.
My Favorite Tool for Grated Nutmeg
There is a special nutmeg grating tool just for grating fresh nutmeg. It is so cute and perfect for any recipe that requires freshly grated nutmeg (or cinnamon sticks). It's a mini grater with a flip-top compartment on top to store your nutmeg seed when not in use.
Is it necessary? No, but it's so fun to use and inexpensive, why not? You can find it on Amazon or at a specialty cooking supply store.
How to Make Ginger Syrup
Add the water, sugar, and ginger pieces to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute and then remove from the heat.
Allow the syrup to cool completely with the ginger still steeping. Strain out the ginger pieces and store the syrup in a sealed bottle or jar in the fridge.
It will last in the fridge for about 2-3 weeks. If you don't want to make ginger syrup, you can substitute ginger liqueur instead.
Boozy Hot Apple Cider
Equipment
- heat-proof cup or glass
Ingredients
Hot Apple Cider Drink
- 6 ounces apple cider
- ½ ounce ginger syrup (recipe below)
- 1 ounce brandy or whiskey
- 1 ounce Tuaca Liqueur
- freshly grated nutmeg for garnish
Tuaca Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered confectioners sugar
- 2 tablespoons Tuaca Liqueur
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Ginger Syrup
- ½ cup fresh ginger, chopped into small pieces
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
Instructions
Hot Apple Cider Drink
- Add apple cider to a small saucepan and heat until almost boiling. Remove from heat and pour into a mug or cup that can hold hot liquid. Stir in ginger syrup and alcohol.
- Top with Tuaca whipped cream and sprinkle grated nutmeg on top.
Tuaca Whipped Cream
- Add the heavy whipping cream to a mixing bowl and whip with a hand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
- Add the powdered sugar, Tuaca, and vanilla and continue to beat until stiff, about another 3-4 minutes.
Ginger Syrup
- Add all of the ingredients to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute and then remove from the heat.
- Allow the syrup to cool completely while steeping the ginger.
- Strain out the ginger pieces and store the syrup in a sealed bottle or jar in the fridge. It will last 2-3 weeks.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
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Leslie says
Oh man, my family is going to love this recipe! Thank you!
Emily says
You are so welcome, Leslie, enjoy!
Debra says
Oh, this is so perfect since we are doing entertaining only outside. Excited to share a warm boozy drink with my friends.
Emily says
That's right, we will need some warm and boozy drinks to keep us cozy outside. This will be perfect!
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
HoHoHo so making thins soon, to try it before the big day! I lived in Italy and never herd of tuaca (I drink alcohol very rarely too). Now that I know, I must try!:)) Thanks for your recipe!
Emily says
I hope you get a chance to try it soon! And how cool you lived in Italy for a while, I bet that was wonderful. It's on my bucket list for sure.
Chef Dennis says
I am so excited to let my wife taste this Boozy Hot Apple Cider!
Emily says
I know she will love it, Dennis!
Gabriela says
Did someone say booze? Love this recipe looking forward to making it.
Emily says
Oh yes! It's a must-try this holiday season!
Linda says
Whoaaa...this might be my new favorite drink this holiday. Never thought of making apple cider a boozy version and now I'm intrigued!
Emily says
Oh, Linda, this is a holiday game-changer...LOL!
Meesha says
This sounds really good, thanks for sharing!
Emily says
You're welcome, Meesha! I hope you get a chance to try it.
Audrey says
This is a fabulous recipe for the holidays!
Amy says
Oh yum! This looks so delicious!
Alexandra says
We enjoyed this whilst putting up the Christmas tree! So delicious!
Emily says
That sounds like a perfect decorating party!
Laura says
This is fantastic. I've not used Tuaca before so it's was fun to try something new.
Emily says
Thanks, Laura! Once you a chance to try Tuaca I think you will enjoy it.
Christina says
This was so good!
Emily says
I'm so glad you liked it, Christina! It's a favorite of mine for sure.
Katrina Crandall says
This is the perfect fireside drink during the holiday season! I love this cozy, delicious hot cider recipe.
Emily says
I totally agree, Katrina, perfect for firesides and cozy nights!