Spiced Apple Pie Schnapps Delight
Experience the essence of a cozy autumn afternoon with our Spiced Apple Pie Schnapps Delight. This irresistible beverage encapsulates the comforting warmth of freshly baked apple pie, blending the sweet and tart notes of apple juice and cider with an aromatic symphony of spices. Perfectly suited for chilly nights, this adult beverage not only warms the heart but also adds a spirited kick that makes it an exceptional addition to your gatherings. Enjoy hot to evoke the feelings of a fall harvest or serve it over ice for a refreshing twist. This versatile schnapps can also elevate your favorite cocktails, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
18-22 servings
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Apple juice (unfiltered)
1 gallon (Freshly sourced from the refrigerated section for superior flavor)
Apple cider
1 gallon (Select a tart variety for a balanced taste)
Sugar
1/2 cup (Granulated)
Light brown sugar
1/2 cup (Packed to enhance the caramel notes)
Cinnamon sticks
4-6 (Use whole for a richer infusion, or substitute with ground cinnamon)
Mulling spices
2 tablespoons (Store-bought or a blend of apple pie spices (e.g., cardamom, cloves))
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed; can substitute with zest)
Everclear grain alcohol
1 liter (For a stronger kick, increase to 1.5 liters, but handle with care!)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine apple juice, apple cider, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, mulling spices, and lemon juice.
2
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches a soft boil.
3
Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 30-45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
4
After simmering, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. If you prefer a cleaner liquid, strain out the solids.
5
Once cooled, stir in the Everclear. Adjust the amount based on your desired strength.
6
Pour the schnapps into the original juice bottles for storage or gift-giving. Consider using mason jars with a cinnamon stick or decorative glass bottles with a cork or stopper for a festive touch.
7
Store in the refrigerator. Serve warm, reminiscent of traditional cider, or pour over ice for a refreshing drink. This schnapps can also be a great mixer for cocktails.
8
For a comforting dessert pairing, serve alongside Arroz con Leche on those chilly evenings.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Apple Pie Schnapps Delight?
It is an adult beverage that captures the essence of a cozy autumn afternoon, blending apple juice, cider, and aromatic spices with grain alcohol.
What are the primary flavor notes of this beverage?
The drink features sweet and tart notes from apple juice and cider, complemented by a symphony of warm spices and a spirited kick.
How much apple juice is required?
The recipe requires 1 gallon of unfiltered apple juice, preferably sourced from the refrigerated section for the best flavor.
What type of apple cider should I use?
You should use 1 gallon of apple cider, ideally a tart variety to ensure a balanced taste in the final product.
What kinds of sugar are used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar.
Why is light brown sugar used?
Light brown sugar is used to enhance the caramel notes within the spiced beverage.
How many cinnamon sticks should I include?
You should use 4 to 6 whole cinnamon sticks for a richer infusion.
Can I substitute ground cinnamon for sticks?
Yes, you can substitute ground cinnamon if whole sticks are not available.
What amount of mulling spices is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of mulling spices.
What can I use if I don't have store-bought mulling spices?
You can use a blend of apple pie spices such as cardamom and cloves as a substitute.
How much lemon juice should be added?
Add 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the mixture.
Is there a substitute for lemon juice?
Yes, you can substitute the lemon juice with lemon zest.
What type of alcohol is used to make it a schnapps?
Everclear grain alcohol is used to provide the spirited kick.
How much Everclear should I use?
The standard recipe uses 1 liter, but you can increase it to 1.5 liters for a stronger drink.
What is the first step in the instructions?
In a large pot, combine the apple juice, cider, sugars, cinnamon sticks, mulling spices, and lemon juice.
What temperature should I heat the mixture to initially?
Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a soft boil, stirring occasionally.
How long should the mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer gently for 30 to 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Should I strain the liquid after simmering?
If you prefer a cleaner liquid, you should strain out the solids after the mixture has cooled slightly.
When is the alcohol added to the recipe?
Stir in the Everclear once the mixture has been removed from the heat and allowed to cool slightly.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 18 to 22 servings.
How should the schnapps be stored?
Store the schnapps in the refrigerator using juice bottles, mason jars, or decorative glass bottles.
Can I give this beverage as a gift?
Yes, it is excellent for gift-giving, especially when bottled in decorative glass with festive touches like cinnamon sticks.
How can I serve this drink warm?
Serve it warm like a traditional cider for a comforting autumn experience.
Can this schnapps be served cold?
Yes, pour it over ice for a refreshing twist on the classic apple pie flavor.
Can I use this as a cocktail mixer?
Absolutely; it is a versatile schnapps that can elevate many of your favorite cocktail recipes.
What food pairing is recommended?
It is recommended to serve this alongside Arroz con Leche for a comforting dessert pairing.
Is this a non-alcoholic drink?
No, this is an adult beverage containing grain alcohol.
What equipment is needed to make this?
You will need a large pot for simmering and bottles or jars for storage.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include adult beverage, apple pie schnapps, cocktail, spiced apple drink, and fall recipes.
How do I ensure the alcohol strength is correct?
You can adjust the amount of Everclear added at the end based on your desired strength.