A favorite at Dragon Con, with a special secret ingredient to jazz it up a bit.

Ingredients

• 64 oz Apple Juice
• 64 oz Apple Cider
• 400 ml Ever clear (195 proof)
• 200 ml flavored whiskey or schnapps
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 vanilla bean

Directions

Combine fruit juices, sugar and spices in a large stockpot and stir to dissolve the sugar, reserving the alcohols. Simmer 1 to 2 hours over low heat until the spices are fragrant. Do not boil.

Cool to 170°F and add the alcohols. Ladle into clean mason jars. Seal jars and rest in a cool, dark cupboard or refrigerate. Keeps several weeks.

Serve warmed, or over ice.

Cook’s Notes

• DeKruyper schnapps is typically sold at 15% ABV, or 30 proof in the US.
• Do not add the alcohols to hot liquid or the alcohol may be driven off before the batch has completely cooled.
• If cooling to room temperature before storage, target a minimum 20% ABV.
• Add citric acid as a preservative