1 Gallon Apple Cider*If you notice in the picture, the cider I used was lightly colored and cloudy, as a result the finished product wasn't as pretty as usual. *Keep in mind that some cider's have more sediment than others, if you get a sediment heavy variety, you might want to strain the finished product through cheese cloth.1 Gallon Apple Juice4 Cups Granulated Sugar(Haven't tried raw sugar, but have high hopes for it)1 Tbs. Vanilla Extract6-10 Cinnamon Sticks1 750 ml Bottle Everclear (180 proof grain alcohol)*White Rum +50% volume can be substituted*But Everclear gives better results and it takes less1 Apple(Optional)

Turn stove to setting 8 out of 10In large stockpot combine:Apple JuiceKeep Empty Jug for laterApple CiderKeep Empty Jug for laterVanilla ExtractCinnamon Sticks (6 of them)Sugar(Wait until the mixture is steaming to add the sugar. Add the sugar slowly while stirring)You should still haveLiquor6 of the cinnamon sticks*This is mostly decoration, but also increases the cinnamon profile slightly1 apple (optional)*This is strictly decoration to have in the serving container, especially if it is see through, I personally don't like to include it, but my mom does

Keep stockpot uncovered Adjust heat if necessaryEssentially you want steaming and almost a low rolling boil, you shouldn't see bubbles forming and rushing up from bottom of pot, but you should see the liquid rolling at the surface making it look semi-turbulentThe length of time to leave on the stove is largely choiceAt minimum, heat until the cinnamon sticks unroll most of the wayThe longer you heat, the more volume you lose and the richer the flavor I recommend 4-6 hrs.

Remove stockpot from heatLeave it in the stockpot, separating it out into the storage containers at this point will cause problems(You would not believe the blooper reel I could put together)Separating into various containers will come later Let stand until the product reaches room temperatureMoving on to the next step while the product is still hot will result in evaporation of the alcohol(Once I moved on to the next step while product was still being heated on stove, and another time right after I took it off the stove, this is a bigger problem than you would think since you can't add alcohol to taste, as aging is critical, so any change in alcohol content will result in you waiting the entire aging time without knowing if it is too strong or too weak.)Remove the used cinnamon sticks from the pot

With the product cooled to at least room temperature (cooler is better)Pour the liquor into the mixture slowlyHave grain alcohol splash into your eye, and you will appreciate the slowly part of this step

Regardless of how you intend on serving it, the two best choices for bottling during the aging processPour into 2 gallon jugsBecause of all the volume loss from the heating stage, the entire concoction, even with the booze added should fit back into the two gallon jugs left over from the Apple Juice and Apple Cider if you so choose.Pour into smaller bottlesI have used old small liquor bottles I had keptGood option for gift giving, just throw a bow on itThis facilitates your rationing so you don't run out unexpectedlyApple cider often has sediment in it, add in the sediment that can come off of the cinnamon sticks and you can have a significant amount of foreign material left at the bottom of your containers. This can be off putting to some so if you like, you can put cheese cloth in the funnel when bottling the product to get rid of it.*This is the only time I have tried this and while it is a pain in the backside, it filtered it out exceptionally wellAdd cinnamon sticks to the bottles whether they are the final product, or just being used for the aging processLet set undisturbed for at least 5 days, although I consider a week the minimum.The product must remain cool during aging and storage thereafter.The longer you leave it to age the better the flavor up to 10 days, at that point aging will no longer change the product.The longer you leave it to age the less you notice the presence of alcohol up to 10 days, at that point the drink is what it is.I wish I could tell you how long the shelf life it, but it never lasts long, even when I manage not to suck it all down, as soon as the word gets out I have a batch, friends and family suddenly flood through doors and windows, so the longest I have ever stored it was one of the bottles I gave as a present that was stored for 3 weeks after I let it age a little more than 1 week. So I can guarantee that it is safe and good for at least 4 weeks as long as you keep it coldSince this drink is most popular during the colder months, depending on where you live you could get away with storing it in the garage. If not, the fridge is your only choice

As discussed earlier, it can be given in small bottles as gifts and of course can be consumed directly from the bottle, even with the cinnamon stick still in it. Or a similar way that has gotten a much better response is to put in small mason jars with decorative fabric over the lid, under the ring, with a ribbon glued around the ring, of course each jar has its own cinnamon stickWhen we are hosting parties, we have a large glass jug in the shape of an apple with a spout at the bottom. When serving this way, of course add cinnamon sticks, but if you choose you can include apple wedges as well for decoration. I prefer the flavor better when served cold, even in the cold weather the drink warms you up all on its own, some prefer it room temp and some prefer it warmed slightly, decide for yourself.When done properly, even with the large amount of grain alcohol, more than a few people have had no idea that it contained alcohol. But it is in there, so be careful, it is stronger than the average cocktail.My favorite holidays to make this for are Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas/Christmas Eve, New Years and the only warm weather holiday, the 4th of July(after all, what's more American than Apple Pie? especially with booze in it)