Spiced Citrus and Apple Cocktail: A Warming Booze Bar Serve for Christmas
Our Spiced Citrus and Apple cocktail is the Booze Bar cocktail of the month, and it is exactly what the colder evenings call for. Cloudy apple juice, honey and lemon are warmed through, then lifted with Cointreau and your choice of dark rum or bourbon. A cinnamon stick and an orange wheel finish it off.
It takes a few minutes, one pan and one glass, which makes it perfect for a cosy night in or for welcoming guests in from the cold. Watch the Booze Bar film below to see it made, then have a go at being your own mixologist at home. Planning the whole festive season? Our Christmas drinks guide has ideas for every moment from the first toast to Boxing Day.
What is a Spiced Citrus and Apple cocktail?
A Spiced Citrus and Apple cocktail takes the comfort of hot spiced apple juice and gives it a grown-up twist. The apple juice is heated gently with lemon juice, honey and spices until it is steaming, then Cointreau and your choice of dark rum or bourbon are stirred in.
Cointreau is a clear orange liqueur, and it does the heavy lifting here. Its bright, bittersweet orange cuts through the sweetness of the apple and honey, while the dark rum or bourbon adds depth and warmth. Choose rum for a rounder, sweeter finish. Choose bourbon for a little more oak and vanilla.
The result tastes of Christmas without being heavy, which is why it works as well before dinner as it does by the fire afterwards.
Tips for the best Spiced Citrus and Apple cocktail
- Heat gently. You want the juice steaming, not boiling. The Cointreau and the rum or bourbon go in afterwards, which keeps the orange bright.
- Warm your glass. A quick rinse with hot water helps the drink stay hot for longer.
- Use cloudy apple juice. It gives the drink more body and a fuller apple flavour than a clear juice.
- Stir until the honey has dissolved before you add the spirits, so every sip tastes the same.
- Choose your spirit to suit your mood. Dark rum leans sweet and rounded. Bourbon leans oaky and vanilla-led.
- Making it for friends? Heat the apple juice base in a larger pan, then add the Cointreau and the rum or bourbon to each glass in the same proportions as the recipe.
- Keep the garnish simple. The cinnamon stick doubles as a stirrer, and the orange wheel adds a little citrus aroma as you lift the glass.
What to serve with a Spiced Citrus and Apple cocktail
Warm, citrusy and lightly sweet, this cocktail is a natural partner for festive nibbles. Try it with mince pies, a baked camembert with crusty bread, or a board of mature cheddar and chutney. Gingerbread biscuits and a bowl of clementines also sit nicely alongside, and it is a lovely way to round off a Boxing Day buffet.
Where to buy the hero bottle
Cointreau is the star of the show, and our 35cl bottle is £12.99 at Bargain Booze, a handy size for trying the recipe without committing to a full-size bottle.
Fancy the bourbon version? Buffalo Trace is our spirit of the month at £19.99 for 70cl, saving £4. Its notes of brown sugar, spice, oak and toffee suit apple and honey beautifully. Browse our spirits range or see this period’s best prices on our deals page.
Find your nearest store with our store locator, and discover more easy cocktails to make at home on the Booze Bar. For the bigger festive picture, head back to our Christmas drinks guide. Please drink responsibly.
Spiced Citrus and Apple cocktail FAQs
Is a Spiced Citrus and Apple cocktail served hot or cold?
It is served warm. You heat the apple juice, lemon juice, honey and spices until steaming, stir in the Cointreau and the dark rum or bourbon, then strain it into a warm glass.
Can I use bourbon instead of dark rum in a Spiced Citrus and Apple cocktail?
Yes. The recipe uses 35ml of either dark rum or bourbon, so choose whichever you prefer. Rum gives a rounder, sweeter finish, while bourbon adds oak and vanilla notes.
What is Cointreau?
Cointreau is an orange liqueur. In this cocktail it brings a bright, bittersweet citrus note that balances the apple and honey.
Can I make a Spiced Citrus and Apple cocktail without alcohol?
You can enjoy the warm apple, lemon, honey and spice base on its own as an alcohol-free drink. Simply leave out the Cointreau and the rum or bourbon, and keep the cinnamon stick and orange garnish.
Can I make a big batch for guests?
Yes. Heat a larger quantity of the apple juice base, then add the Cointreau and the rum or bourbon to each glass in the same proportions as the recipe. Keep the base warm on a low heat while you serve.
Where can I buy the ingredients?
You can pick up Cointreau and a bourbon at your local Bargain Booze. Use the store locator to find your nearest store.
