Kicked Up Apple Pie Drink

Our apple pie drinks were such a big hit at Christmas time last year, we decided to recreate them again.  This time around, I added some fresh cut ginger and 2 honey crisp apples to the simmering apple mix, as well as a bunch of fresh grated nutmeg and some cloves. Everyone actually commented how they liked this version better, so I figured I needed to write it down!

1 gallon each of apple cider and apple juice (powdered mix will work)
6 or > 3inch cinnamon sticks
1 1/2 cups sugar (we used splenda)
1 liter 190 proof grain alcohol (Everclear)

We used the sugar free apple juice and cider mix, but then decided there needed to be more apple flavor and a little more sugar for the proportions to taste right.  Some recipes say that you can use vodka instead of everclear, but when we added just a little to try it, I could taste the vodka over everything else, so it would not be my recommendation! This stuff is great warm or over ice, and is delicious mixed with gingerale!