Bitchin` Apple Cider

The Bitchin` Apple Cider is a no-nonsense, two-ingredient mix that delivers exactly what it promises: sweet apple with a spicy cinnamon kick. It is the kind of drink you whip up when you need something quick, tasty, and easy to drink. Expect it at house parties, casual gatherings, or as a simple palate pleaser for those who like their drinks sweet and a little sassy. It is a crowd-pleaser for a reason.

Bitchin` Apple Cider

4.64 from 11 votes

Calories: 139kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 1 Part(s) Cinnamon Schnapps
▢ 3 Part(s) Apple Juice

Instructions

▢
Combine ingredients and stir.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 139kcal (7%)Carbohydrates: 20g (7%)Sugar: 19g (21%)

Punch

Where it came from

This drink smells like a college dorm room party or a casual backyard barbecue, not a speakeasy. Its origins are likely less about a named inventor and more about someone combining readily available ingredients for a quick, potent, and sweet concoction. It is a modern, American-style party drink, designed for accessibility and flavor over complexity, probably emerging in the late 20th century.

This falls squarely into the mixed drink category, a simple highball of sorts. Its closest relatives might be other schnapps-and-juice combinations, or even a basic Hot Toddy without the tea. What separates the Bitchin` Apple Cider is its absolute simplicity and direct flavor profile, leaning into sweetness and a clear spice note without much fuss.

You would actually order or serve this at a casual house party, a college bar during happy hour, or a themed event where ease of preparation and broad appeal are key. It is perfect for batching in a pitcher for a backyard cookout or as a simple offering at a holiday gathering where you want something festive without a lot of bartender labor.

What it tastes like

From the first sip, you get a rush of sweet, crisp apple juice on the front palate. This quickly transitions to a warm, spicy cinnamon note in the middle, courtesy of the schnapps, which provides a comforting, slightly fiery character. The finish lingers with residual apple sweetness and a pleasant, warming cinnamon spice that invites another sip.

With one part cinnamon schnapps at roughly 20% ABV and three parts non-alcoholic apple juice, this drink clocks in around 5% ABV. That puts it squarely in beer territory for strength, making it a sessionable option that will not knock you off your feet too quickly. It is a sweet sipper, not a heavy hitter, comparable to a light lager in terms of alcohol content.

The technique

Building this drink is about as straightforward as it gets. Start by ensuring your apple juice is well chilled. Pour the cinnamon schnapps into your chosen glass, then top with the cold apple juice. Give it a quick, gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients thoroughly but without over-diluting. No need for shaking, straining, or any fancy equipment here.

The single most important technique for a simple stirred drink like this is ensuring all ingredients are properly chilled before combining. Using warm apple juice with room temperature schnapps means you will have to stir longer, adding more ice melt and diluting the flavor unnecessarily. Start cold, stir briefly, and serve immediately to maintain that crisp apple and cinnamon balance.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Cinnamon Schnapps

Use: Look for a good quality cinnamon schnapps like Goldschlager, or a dedicated cinnamon liqueur from a brand like Hiram Walker or DeKuyper. Aim for something around 15-25% ABV for the right balance.
Skip: Avoid using cinnamon syrup alone, as it lacks the alcoholic backbone and specific flavor profile of schnapps. Fireball whisky is a different product with a distinct whisky character, not a true schnapps.
Why: This ingredient is load-bearing because it provides both the signature spicy cinnamon flavor and the alcoholic kick, defining the drink’s character and warmth.

Apple Juice

Use: Opt for a good quality, unsweetened or lightly sweetened apple juice. Both clear and cloudy varieties work, but clear will give a cleaner look. Freshly pressed is always a win if available.
Skip: Do not use apple cider vinegar, which is an obvious miss. Avoid highly concentrated or artificially flavored apple drinks, as they will make the cocktail taste thin or overly sweet.
Why: Apple juice forms the bulk of this drink, providing the essential sweet, fruity base and crucial dilution for the schnapps. Its quality directly impacts the overall taste and drinkability.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Warm Apple Kick

A comforting, heated version perfect for cooler weather.: Gently warm the apple juice before combining with the schnapps. Serve in a heatproof mug with a cinnamon stick garnish for extra aroma and warmth.

Sparkling Apple Spice

Add some effervescence for a lighter, bubbly experience.: After combining the schnapps and apple juice, top the drink with a splash of club soda or sparkling wine for a refreshing fizz and a slightly drier finish.

Spicy Apple Sour

Introduce a tart counterpoint for a more complex profile.: Add 0.5 part fresh lemon juice to the mix. For an even more sophisticated texture, consider adding an egg white and dry shaking before adding ice and a final shake.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Cinnamon Schnapps?

If you are out of cinnamon schnapps, a cinnamon whisky like Fireball can work in a pinch, though it will add a distinct whisky note and likely more sweetness. For a less boozy kick, a good quality cinnamon syrup paired with a neutral spirit like vodka is an option.

No Apple Juice?

Pear juice or white grape juice can serve as a decent substitute, though they will alter the flavor profile significantly. Both offer a sweet, fruity base, but lack the specific apple tang.

No standard serving glass?

This drink is highly adaptable. Any glass will do, from a short tumbler to a highball. For batching, a large pitcher or punch bowl is perfectly acceptable. Just make sure it is clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Bitchin` Apple Cider?

A Bitchin` Apple Cider contains two ingredients: cinnamon schnapps and apple juice. It is a simple, direct mix of sweet and spicy flavors.

Is it served hot or cold?

Typically, a Bitchin` Apple Cider is served cold over ice. However, a warm variation can be made by gently heating the apple juice before mixing.

Can I make a big batch?

Absolutely. This drink is ideal for batching. Just scale up the ‘parts’ ratio accordingly, combine the ingredients in a pitcher, and keep it chilled until ready to serve.

What kind of apple juice should I use?

Use a good quality, unsweetened or lightly sweetened apple juice. Both clear and cloudy varieties work, depending on your preference for appearance and texture.

Is this drink strong?

No, it is relatively light. With a typical ABV of around 5%, it is comparable in strength to a standard beer, making it quite sessionable.

What food pairs well with it?

This drink pairs well with casual party snacks like pretzels, cheese and crackers, or even light desserts. Its sweet and spicy profile also complements barbecue dishes.

Can I make it non-alcoholic?

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version by replacing the cinnamon schnapps with a good quality cinnamon syrup or a non-alcoholic cinnamon spirit. The flavor will be similar, just without the alcohol.

What garnish works?

A simple apple slice, a cinnamon stick, or even a lemon twist can make for an appealing garnish. For a warm version, a cinnamon stick is a classic choice.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read