Fireball Whiskey Apple Cider Holiday Cocktail - Serve Both Hot and Cold!

There are certain holiday flavors that feel like magic in a glass — warm apple, spicy cinnamon, a soft hint of sweetness, and that unmistakable little kick that makes your cheeks rosy. That’s exactly what you get with this Fireball Apple Cider Holiday Cocktail, a two-ingredient wonder that somehow tastes like you spent all afternoon crafting the perfect seasonal drink. Whether you love a steaming hot mug on a chilly December evening or prefer a refreshing chilled version for festive gatherings, this cocktail is flexible, fast, and impressively beautiful.

With just a couple of ingredients, minimal prep, and a handful of gorgeous garnishes, this drink deserves a spot on your holiday menu, your Thanksgiving cocktail list, and even your Christmas Eve drink lineup. It’s cozy, it’s simple, and it turns any moment into a celebration.

Today, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about this delicious drink — from ingredients and steps to serving ideas, batching tips, and creative variations. If you love cocktails that feel comforting, seasonal, and easy enough for even a last-minute get-together, this one is going straight to the top of your list.

Why You’ll Love This Fireball Apple Cider Holiday Cocktail

There’s a reason this recipe has long been a reader favorite: it hits all the marks for a perfect holiday drink.

Ready in 2 Minutes

Life gets busy during the holidays — kids running around, baking in the oven, presents to wrap — which is why this quick drink is such a lifesaver. No shaking, muddling, or complicated steps.

Hot or Cold

Serve it warm after a snowy winter walk or chilled as a refreshing option during a holiday movie night. It adapts beautifully.

Only Two Main Ingredients

Apple cider + Fireball. That’s it. Everything else is optional and purely for extra flair.

Gorgeous Garnishes

Apple slices, whole star anise, fresh rosemary, and cinnamon sticks turn this into a real showstopper.

Perfect for Entertaining

Batch it, bottle it, gift it, or set it up as a self-serve cocktail station.

This is the kind of recipe that makes you look like an entertaining genius with almost no effort.

Ingredients

To make one 10-ounce serving, you’ll need:

7 ounces apple cider, hot or chilled
3 ounces Fireball Whiskey
Red apple slices (optional garnish)
Cinnamon sticks (optional garnish)
Whole star anise (optional garnish)
Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional garnish)

Items You’ll Need

A 12+ ounce cocktail glass
(Choose a larger glass if you’re using ice or adding lots of pretty garnishes.)

How to Make the Fireball Apple Cider Holiday Cocktail

This cocktail is straightforward, forgiving, and perfect for beginners or seasoned home bartenders alike.

Step 1: Choose Your Temperature

For a chilled drink: Fill your glass with ice.
For a hot drink: Warm your apple cider on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming but not boiling.

Step 2: Add the Fireball

Pour 3 ounces of Fireball into your glass or mug.

Step 3: Top with Apple Cider

Add 7 ounces of cider straight over the Fireball and gently stir if needed.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

This cocktail becomes truly stunning with the right garnish. Add:

Red apple slice
Cinnamon stick
Whole star anise
Fresh rosemary sprig

Serve immediately — hot or cold — and enjoy!

Tips for Storage, Serving, and Making Ahead

1. Make-Ahead Storage

The mixture of Fireball + cider stores beautifully.

Refrigerator: Up to 1 week in a sealed bottle or jar.
Freezer: Up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. It won’t freeze solid because of the alcohol content.

Just give it a shake or stir before serving.

2. Serving for a Crowd

This drink is ideal for batching:

For a 1-quart pitcher (4 servings):

28 ounces apple cider
12 ounces Fireball

Garnish the entire pitcher with fresh apple slices and rosemary for that Pinterest-worthy look.

3. Use a Larger Glass if Adding Ice

A 12-ounce glass is the minimum, but if you love ice or want the garnishes to shine, go up to 14–16 ounces.

4. Thin the Flavor (If Desired)

If you want a lighter, fizzier drink, add:

Ginger ale
Sparkling apple cider
Club soda

Ginger ale is especially perfect because it adds warm spice and a festive sparkle.

5. Serve Hot Without Dilution

If you prefer your warm cocktails strong and toasty, skip the ice entirely and use freshly warmed cider.

How to Garnish for a WOW Factor

The biggest secret to making this holiday cocktail unforgettable is the presentation. These simple garnishes add aroma, flavor, and beauty.

Cinnamon Stick

Adds warmth, holiday fragrance, and that classic winter drink aesthetic.

Whole Star Anise

Eye-catching, aromatic, and perfect for Christmas cocktails.

Fresh Rosemary

Looks like a tiny pine branch — ideal for holiday styling.

Red Apple Slices

Float beautifully in both hot and cold drinks and add natural sweetness.

Put these all together and your drink instantly becomes the type of cocktail people photograph before sipping.

Flavor Variations to Try

This cocktail is delicious as-is, but you can easily level it up or customize it to your taste.

1. Caramel Apple Version

Add 1 ounce of caramel vodka or a drizzle of caramel syrup. Rim the glass with cinnamon sugar.

2. Hard Apple Cider Twist

Swap the regular cider for hard cider for a sparkling, boozy version.

3. Maple Cinnamon Version

Stir in a teaspoon of pure maple syrup and garnish with a cinnamon-sugar rim.

4. Spiced Orange Version

Add a splash of fresh orange juice and garnish with a dried orange slice.

5. Apple Pie Version

Mix in a tiny pinch of apple pie spice, especially for the warm version.

6. Fireball Hot Toddy Style

Add hot water and lemon to the warm version for a winter cold-weather drink.

7. Vanilla Apple Version

Drop in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract for an extra-cozy notes

How to Make It Kid-Friendly (Mocktail Version)

You can easily make a mocktail version so kids or non-drinkers can enjoy the same festive flavors.

Fireball-Free Apple Cider Mocktail

Replace Fireball with:

A splash of cinnamon simple syrup, or
A cinnamon stick simmered in warm cider

Serve with the same pretty garnishes and everyone gets their own special drink.

Pairing Ideas – What to Serve With This Holiday Cocktail

This cocktail plays beautifully with seasonal snacks, especially sweet and cozy dishes.

Perfect Pairings:

Gingerbread cookies
Christmas sugar cookies
Soft pretzels + mustard
Warm apple pie
Brie + cranberry bites
Cheese boards
Sausage rolls
Pumpkin bars
Holiday popcorn mixes

The warm apple spice notes complement almost anything on a holiday menu.

How to Create a Holiday Cocktail Board

Move over charcuterie — holiday cocktail boards are the next big entertaining trend.

Create a board with:

Apple slices
Cinnamon sticks
Cup rims dipped in cinnamon-sugar
Sprigs of rosemary
Orange slices
Star anise
Caramels or cinnamon candies
Pretty mugs or glasses

Then keep a pitcher of the cocktail on the side. Guests mix, match, and garnish however they like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

You can, but cider has a deeper, richer, more spiced flavor that works perfectly in holiday drinks.

Can I use another whiskey besides Fireball?

Yes! Any cinnamon whiskey works well, though Fireball is the most affordable and accessible.

What if I don’t like strong drinks?

Add:

Extra cider
Ginger ale
Sparkling water
Hard cider

Is this cocktail gluten-free?

Apple cider is naturally gluten-free, and Fireball contains no gluten ingredients, though some celiacs prefer cinnamon whiskey brands labeled certified gluten-free.

Can I rim the glass?

Yes! A cinnamon-sugar rim or caramel-sugar rim is delicious.

The Best Occasions to Serve This Festival Holiday Drink

Final Thoughts

This Fireball Apple Cider Holiday Cocktail is the definition of simple, seasonal, and stunning. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a regular night into a festive celebration and makes holiday gatherings feel just a little more magical. Whether you serve it warm by the fire or pour it over ice for a crisp, refreshing treat, this drink brings together the best flavors of the season with almost no effort.

It’s quick enough for busy weeknights, pretty enough for Christmas parties, and comforting enough for winter movie nights in your coziest pajamas. With endless ways to customize it and garnish it, this is one cocktail you’ll come back to again and again throughout the fall and holiday season.

Cheers to a festive, cinnamon-kissed holiday!