Fruit – Apple

This is a simple, two-ingredient pour, essentially a spiked cider. It’s a low-effort, high-reward option when you want something warm and comforting or a quick, sweet sip. Expect to make these for folks who prefer approachable, sweet drinks over complex cocktails, especially during cooler months or at casual gatherings. It’s a friendly entry point for those new to spirits, offering straightforward flavor without fuss.

Fruit - Apple

4.37 from 11 votes

Calories: 100kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 1 oz Cinnamon Schnapps

Instructions

▢
Pour the liqueur into a glass. add the cider. and serve cold.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 100kcal (5%)Carbohydrates: 10g (3%)Sugar: 10g (11%)

Where it came from

This particular combination of cinnamon schnapps and apple cider is less a historical cocktail and more a common sense pairing that likely emerged spontaneously in home kitchens and casual bars. It’s a natural fit for autumn and winter seasons, especially in regions with apple harvests and a tradition of spiced beverages. No specific inventor or era is recorded for such a straightforward mix.

While not a classic cocktail family member, this drink sits alongside other simple spirit and mixer combinations, like a Rum and Coke or a Gin and Tonic. Its closest relatives might be other spiced apple drinks, like a Hot Toddy with apple brandy or a mulled cider. What sets it apart is its direct, unadorned focus on the two primary flavors without additional complexity.

You’d typically find or serve this drink at a casual house party, a backyard barbecue in the fall, or as a warm-up after a chilly outdoor event. It’s the kind of uncomplicated drink that’s easy to batch for a crowd or whip up quickly when someone just wants something sweet and boozy without much fuss. It’s not a bar showstopper, but a reliable crowd-pleaser.

What it tastes like

The initial taste delivers a prominent sweetness from the apple cider, quickly followed by the distinct warmth and spice of cinnamon. Mid-palate, the apple’s tartness cuts through the sweetness slightly, balancing the liqueur’s sugar. The finish is clean, leaving a lingering, pleasant cinnamon spice and a hint of apple, without any harsh alcoholic bite, making it an easy-drinking experience.

Assuming a standard 40 proof cinnamon schnapps and a 1 oz pour into 4 oz of cider, this drink clocks in around 8% alcohol by volume. That puts it slightly stronger than most standard beers, which average 4-6% ABV, but still significantly lighter than a typical cocktail, which often starts around 15-20% ABV. It’s a mellow, easy-drinking option for those seeking something light.

The technique

Building this drink is about as simple as it gets. Start by pouring your chosen cinnamon schnapps into a chilled glass, or a warmed mug if serving hot. Follow that with a generous pour of apple cider, typically about four parts cider to one part schnapps. Give it a gentle stir if you’re feeling fancy, otherwise, the liquids will mix themselves. Serve immediately, ensuring the temperatures are right for the season.

The most critical technique here is temperature control. If serving cold, ensure both the schnapps and cider are well chilled. If serving warm, heat the cider gently without boiling, then combine with the schnapps. Getting the temperature right ensures the flavors meld properly and the drink is refreshing or comforting as intended. Serving it lukewarm is a missed opportunity for a truly satisfying drink.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Cinnamon Schnapps

Use: Brands like Goldschläger for a higher proof and real gold flakes, or DeKuyper Cinnamon Schnapps for a more common, sweeter option. Look for schnapps around 15-40% ABV, depending on desired strength and sweetness.
Skip: Fireball Cinnamon Whisky. While it has cinnamon, it’s a whisky, not a schnapps, and its distinct character will drastically change the drink’s profile from a sweet, apple-forward sipper to something heavier and spicier.
Why: This liqueur provides the essential spicy kick and underlying sweetness that defines the drink, transforming plain apple cider into something more festive and adult. It’s the core of the flavor profile.

Apple Cider

Use: Fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the best natural apple flavor and body. Sweet or semi-sweet varieties work well, depending on your preference for the final drink’s sweetness. Pasteurised versions are fine for consistency.
Skip: Apple juice. While similar, apple juice is typically filtered, sweeter, and lacks the tartness and cloudy texture that gives cider its distinctive character and depth in this drink, making it less complex.
Why: Apple cider is the primary volume and flavor component, providing the fruity base that balances the intensity of the cinnamon schnapps and makes the drink approachable. It’s the refreshing backbone.

Three Variations

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

Hot Apple Pie

A warm, comforting twist.: Gently warm the apple cider before combining with the cinnamon schnapps, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg for a dessert-like experience.

Sparkling Cider Spiked

Bubbly and refreshing.: Use sparkling hard apple cider instead of still cider for a fizzy drink, or add a splash of club soda to regular cider for extra effervescence and a lighter mouthfeel.

Caramel Apple

A dessert-like indulgence.: Drizzle a touch of caramel sauce into the glass before adding the schnapps and cider, or rim the glass with caramel and sugar for an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Cinnamon Schnapps?

Try a spiced rum or an apple brandy with a dash of cinnamon syrup. The flavor profile will shift, but the spiced fruit concept remains intact, offering a similar comforting feel.

No Apple Cider?

Use good quality apple juice, but be prepared for a sweeter, less tart drink. A splash of lemon juice can help balance the sweetness and add a bit of necessary acidity.

No Glass?

Any sturdy mug or tumbler will do. For warm versions, heat-proof glassware is essential to prevent cracking and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is in a Fruit – Apple?

A Fruit – Apple typically contains cinnamon schnapps and apple cider, served cold unless specified otherwise.

Is Fruit – Apple served hot or cold?

It can be served either way. Cold for a refreshing sip, or gently warmed for a comforting, spiced beverage, depending on preference and the season.

What kind of schnapps should I use?

A good quality cinnamon schnapps, like Goldschläger or DeKuyper, works best. Avoid cinnamon whiskies if you want the classic sweet and spicy schnapps profile.

How strong is a Fruit – Apple?

Depending on the schnapps and pour, it’s typically around 8% ABV, similar to a strong beer but lighter than most standard cocktails.

Can I make a big batch?

Absolutely. Combine the schnapps and cider in a pitcher or punch bowl, adjusting proportions to taste. Keep it chilled until serving for best results.

What garnish works for a Fruit – Apple?

A simple apple slice, a cinnamon stick, or a lemon twist can add visual appeal and a hint of extra aroma, enhancing the drinking experience.

Is this drink very sweet?

Yes, it leans sweet due to the apple cider and schnapps. If you prefer less sweetness, use a drier cider or a higher-proof, less sugary schnapps.

What’s the best time to drink a Fruit – Apple?

It’s particularly popular in the fall and winter, especially around holidays, but can be a refreshing option year-round for a simple, sweet treat.

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