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Winter cocktails are one of my favorite drinks categories. They’re the drinks version of comfort food. I particularly love a recipe for a hot cocktail that walks the line between decadent and refreshing. And I found everything I wanted in this spiked apple cider recipe from Partida Tequila.

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What base spirit makes the best hot cider cocktails?

Partida sent me this easy spiked cider recipe, what they call The Heated Affair, along with a bottle of their añejo tequila so I could try it for myself. And I’m so glad I did! The trick to the best spiked cider cocktails is tequila – specifically añejo tequila, as I learned from making this drink.

Why I don’t like mixing rum with hot apple cider

I’m not usually a fan of rum-based hot spiked apple cider recipes. I find that the warmed, spiced apple drink in combination with a cane-based spirit like rum is simply too sweet. As I mentioned, I like balanced flavor in a hot cocktail recipe.

What kind of tequila should you use in this hot cider cocktail?

What is unusual is that this cocktail recipe calls for an añejo tequila. I couldn’t resist trying the recipe at the first chance. And I knew right away that this easy hot cocktail recipe was a keeper. You don’t have to use Partida specifically but the tequila must be añejo.

What is añejo tequila?

Añejo tequilas have been aged 1-3 years. These tequilas are known for being flavorful and having a bit of weight. For that reason, añejos are frequently used for sipping. But it’s this level of body and sophistication that really makes this cocktail come together.

Partida’s añejo tequila is a deep, golden-hued spirit. Although it has hints of sweet, dried fruit, it is also spicy, peppery. It’s a robust tequila, which is part of the reason it works so well in a hot cider drink. Of course, you’re welcome to find your own “right” tequila for this drink, but I recommend looking for something with big flavor and a good bite. Just make sure to use an añejo.

Love apple cider cocktails? Check out this recipe for Pumpkin Apple Cider Martini-Style cocktail

Can you make this spiked apple cider tequila cocktail in a crockpot?

I know how handy a crockpot can be for making hot cocktails. So I experimented with making this spiked hot apple cider using a slow cooker. (Here’s a link to the slow cooker I use.)

Since this recipe calls for a pre-made, spiced apple cider, there’s really no need to simmer the cider for hours. You can, of course, make your own mulled cider using whole spices including whole cloves, cinnamon sticks and star anise. In this case, the slow cooker makes the ideal tool for creating your drink. But if you’re making your spiced cider from scratch, plan on simmering for at least three hours to let the flavors properly come together.

I prefer the drink mixed right before serving but if you would like to make this hot apple cider spiked with tequila as a batch cocktail, I have some suggestions. Heat the apple cider on low for an hour or on high for less time, then turn the heat to low and add the tequila just before serving the first drink. (Make sure to check the temperature of your mulled cider before you serve the first drink to ensure that your cocktail is neither too cold nor too warm.)

If you want to keep a non-alcoholic batch

Alternatively, keep the hot apple cider in your crockpot alcohol-free. Spike each drink individually so that you have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktail options. Top both with the whipped cream and fresh nutmeg so that even those who don’t imbibe in alcohol can share in the cheer.

Shop for a crockpot on Amazon

How to serve this hot apple cider recipe with alcohol

This alcoholic apple cider is supposed to be served with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a garnish of freshly grated nutmeg. I’m lactose intolerant and normally omit dairy when it’s called for as a garnish. But with this hot cocktail recipe, I highly recommend adding at least a modest topping of freshly whipped cream. (You can also use a dairy-free, vegan whipped cream substitute.)

As for topping the drink with nutmeg, you might think this final flourish is simply a bother. But before you decide to omit this spice, you might want to read up on nutmeg’s power as an aphrodisiac. After all, this drink is called The Heated Affair!

More of my favorite hot cocktail recipes

Warming winter drinks are welcoming and can make any situation feel cozier. Try these warming cocktails to heat things up all season long:
The Hot Sorrel Jamaican Hot Toddy
Almond Joy Spiked Hot Cocoa
Hot Maple Apple Cider
Hot Coffee with a Kick

Partida's tequila spiked apple cider cocktail on a brown wood table with cinnamon sticks and a bottle of Partida on the side

The Heated Affair - A Spiked Apple Cider Cocktail

Print Recipe

This unusual twist on a hot cider cocktail is made with añejo tequila and topped with fresh whipped cream.

Course aperitif, cocktail

Cuisine American

Dish Type Cocktail

Cooking Style Mixology

Seasonal autumn, Christmas, Holiday season, Thanksgiving, winter

Ingredient anejo tequila, apple cider

Servings serving

Calories 209

Author Partida Tequila

Ingredients

2 oz añejo tequila
6 oz your favorite spiced apple cider heated
freshly whipped heavy cream unsweetened
freshly grated nutmeg optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a small warm wine glass, add Tequila and hot apple cider. Float heavy cream. Garnish with grated fresh nutmeg over cream.

Notes

A note on the provided nutrition information

The nutrition information provided has been estimated by an online nutrition calculator and is not a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Amy Reiley

Eat Something Sexy's Creator & Editor-in-Chief Amy Reiley is the award-winning author of five aphrodisiac cookbooks. She has her Master of Arts in Gastronomy, awarded by Le Cordon Bleu and The University of Adelaide.

Amy is considered a leading authority on aphrodisiacs. Her work in aphrodisiacs is quoted in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, Epicurious, Wine Enthusiast, Health and Playboy magazines. She speaks internationally on aphrodisiac foods and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac history and science to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. She is a frequent guest on relationship and lifestyle radio and podcast shows and has been interviewed by BBC and NPR radio, Cosmopolitan radio and popular podcasts including My Dad Wrote a Porno.

Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health researcher and writer as well as a wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is an MSN content provider. And she is also a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine.

Fun fact: Amy was the creator of the first ever comprehensive food and wine apps, Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Amy Reiley's Pocket Vineyard for Palm.

A Great Spiked Apple Cider Recipe

What base spirit makes the best hot cider cocktails?

Why I don’t like mixing rum with hot apple cider