Spiked Hot Apple Pie Cider

Hot apple cider is one of my favorite things to serve (and drink!) throughout the Fall. When entertaining, I think it's an especially nice touch to offer mugs of it--spiked or otherwise--at the end of the night. It warms people up, and is a cozy way to send them back out into the chilly evening.

This recipe uses Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka and whole spices to add a distinct apple pie flavor to the cider. Simply start off with good local cider (I get mine from the farmer's market, but I find that most grocery stores offer it in the refrigerated aisle this time of year) and simmer with your favorite spices.

Stir the vanilla vodka in just before serving, and garnish with fresh apple slices and more cinnamon sticks.

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Hot Apple Pie Cider Cocktail
Serves 6

Ingredients
8 cups apple cider
2 whole cloves
3 cinnamon sticks + more for garnish
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka
1 large apple, cored and sliced

Directions
Combine cider, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg in a saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour into a pitcher through a sieve and stir in Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka. Divide into 6 mugs, and serve warm garnished with apple slices and cinnamon sticks.