Looking for a hot cocktail as an alternative to the traditional hot toddy or mulled wine? With its flavors of apple, maple and cinnamon, this gin cocktail is perfect for cool fall and winter evenings.
Easy to make with just a few ingredients, this hot apple gin cocktail is best served steaming hot, garnished with a cinnamon stick and, why not, a slice of apple.
An Easy Hot Gin Cocktail
In this cocktail, apple juice is gently heated with cinnamon before being combined with gin and maple flavors.
The result is a warm drink that is fruity, lightly spiced and comforting without being overly sweet.
It's also an easy cocktail to serve when entertaining, since it takes just a few minutes to prepare.
What Gin Should You Use for This Hot Cocktail?
This recipe is made with Le Réduit de Léo from Quebec distillery Les Subversifs, a maple liqueur that combines gin and maple syrup. It brings both the aromatic notes of gin and a touch of maple that pairs especially well with apple juice and cinnamon.
Le Réduit de Léo is available at the SAQ, Quebec's liquor retailer, and is the alcoholic base used in the original version of this cocktail.
What Can You Substitute for Le Réduit de Léo?
If Le Réduit de Léo isn't available where you live, you can recreate a similar flavor profile using gin and a small amount of pure maple syrup.
Start with just a little maple syrup, then taste and adjust according to the sweetness of your apple juice. This will give you the same combination of gin, apple and maple flavors without requiring the original Quebec liqueur.
If you enjoy gin cocktails, you might also like:
Can You Make This Hot Cocktail Ahead of Time?
You can heat the apple juice and cinnamon ahead of time and store the mixture in the refrigerator.
When ready to serve, gently reheat the mixture, then add the gin and maple syrup. This method is especially convenient when making several cocktails.
Can You Serve This Gin Cocktail Cold?
Yes. The flavors of apple, maple and gin also work very well in a cold cocktail.
Let the apple juice and cinnamon mixture cool, then serve the cocktail over ice. It makes a refreshing version that is particularly well suited to early fall.
Apple Pie Hot Cocktail
A comforting and spicy cocktail that will be enjoyed all year long.
Ingredients
- 1-2 ounces of Réduit de Léo *
- 4-5 ounces of apple juice
- A little cinnamon
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe glass, pour Leo's Reducer and apple juice.
- Sprinkle with 1 or 2 pinches of cinnamon.
- Heat in microwave for 60 seconds.
Notes
Garnish with a slice of apple and a cinnamon stick if desired at serving time.
The cocktail can also be served cold.
* If Le Réduit de Léo isn’t available where you live, substitute gin and a small amount of pure maple syrup. Start with a little maple syrup, then adjust to taste.
Marie-Noël Ouimet is a writer and content creator specializing in gastronomy, wine, and travel. She is the founder of the digital magazine Urbaine City, where for over 10 years she has been highlighting the pleasures of the table and the destinations that bring them to life. She also holds the WSET Level 3 certification in wines and spirits.
