Spiked Apple Cider is a fall favorite, and this recipe is the BEST! The perfect combination of sweet and spiced with a delicious hint of caramel... it's everything you're looking for in a fall cocktail and guaranteed to be a hit!

Of all the different seasonal festivities, I really do enjoy the festivities of fall. The apple picking, the pumpkin farms, the hayrides, the bonfires. They're all things that are so clearly unique to fall, and all things I look forward to every October.

But I'd be lying if I didn't admit that there's a way to make them even more fun... and that, of course, is with the help of a warm cocktail. One of my personal favorites? This Spiked Apple Cider, made with caramel vodka and Fireball whiskey.

It's the perfect combination of caramel apple and apple cinnamon, and it couldn't be easier to make. Just pour the ingredients into a slow cooker and wait... then enjoy delicious Spiked Apple Cider all day and night!

It's my FAVORITE way to add a little fun to fall... and an even better way of staying warm in those chilly October temperatures!

Spiked Apple Cider ingredients

Apple cider - Any type of fresh, unfiltered apple cider is my favorite to use for this recipe. It can usually be found in grocery stores in a refrigerated section near the produce area. You can also substitute unfiltered apple juice, which can be found in the juice aisle and is a great alternative.

Caramel vodka - Caramel vodka adds a delicious pop of sweetness and that yummy caramel flavor we all know and love. I used Smirnoff Caramel Vodka, but Pinnacle and Stoli make it as well.

Fireball whiskey - Fireball Whiskey is a cinnamon flavored whiskey that pairs perfectly with the caramel and the apple. It helps to tone down the sweetness and adds a delicious depth of flavor to this spiked cider.

Cinnamon sticks - Dried cinnamon sticks are completely optional and can be used in the cider itself or just as garnish. 

Whole cloves - Finally, whole cloves add another layer of flavor to an already delicious cider, giving it more of a fall spiced kind of feel. (Not a fan? Feel free to leave them out!)

How to make Spiked Apple Cider

Making spiked apple cider couldn't be easier! Simply combine the ingredients in a slow cooker and heat on a low setting until completely warmed through. You can also heat it in a saucepan on the stovetop and then transfer it to a slow cooker if you'd like. To serve, ladle cider into individual mugs and serve as is or garnished with whipped cream and cinnamon.

Storing and re-heating

Leftover cider can be stored in an airtight (preferably glass) container in the refrigerator. I would recommend removing the cinnamon sticks and cloves before storing, since the longer they sit in the cider the more flavor they infuse. To reheat, transfer the cider to a saucepan on the stovetop, a small crockpot, or a microwave-safe mug. Heat to desired temperature and enjoy!

Recipe variations

• Substitute butterscotch schnapps or caramel whiskey for the caramel vodka
• Make it caramel apple cider by omitting the Fireball
• Make it cinnamon apple cider by omitting the caramel vodka
• Add apple liqueur for an extra kick of apple flavor
• Substitute your favorite whiskey for the flavored liquors
• Add fresh sliced apples

More fall cocktails you'll love

• Pumpkin Pie Martini
• Apple Cider Mimosa
• Appletini
• Apple Gin Fizz
• Pumpkin Spice Mudslide
• Boozy Butterscotch Apple Cider
• Cranberry Apple Sangria
• Apple Pie Sangria