Spiked Hot Apple Cider Recipe: A Cozy Fall Cocktail with Spiced Rum

Apple cider and spice are like so fall I can’t even. A spiked hot apple cider recipe with the delicious flavors of fall, and a touch of booze to take off the chill. This apple cider cocktail is sweet, nicely spiced with rum and cinnamon, and has the perfect fall flavor. Spiced Rum Apple Cider Cocktail Whether you’re throwing a Halloween Party or just snuggling with a throw on the couch, this Spiced Rum Apple

Check out this delicious recipe below and why you want to be sipping on anything apple cider and cocktail-related. You will discover what goes into the perfect spiked hot apple cider and how to do it yourself. Whether you want your spicy cider hot and warmed or spirited, this how-to has it all.

Why Spiked Hot Apple Cider is the Ideal Fall Cocktail

Why is Apple Cider the Go-To Base for Fall Cocktails?

What base could be more appropriate for a fall cocktail than that of apple cider — created from apples, often unfiltered and packed with flavor? Apple juice is naturally sweet and somewhat tart, which makes it a solid base with warming holiday spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Apple cider is a great mixer for lots of liquors, especially spiced rum since it delivers multiple layers to the drink. The obvious choice here is apple cider, which makes for a warm comforting drink that screams fall and cold weather.

Alcohol and Apple Cider: Only good things can come from this combination… …which is why apple cider makes the perfect base for fall cocktails. You can have it hot or cold and endless possible combinations that you can create. You can keep it simple with a couple of spices or add some to spice up the evening. Each sip tastes like autumn in a portion glass.

What does spiced rum bring to apple cider?

This spiced rum is a hidden gem that will turn any old apple cider into an irresistible, spice-tinged cocktail. The deep hum of the spiced rum—laced with vanilla, cinnamon, and warm spices—works wonders beneath a heady blanket of apple juice. The cider is improved and emboldened by the complexity of the rum with a background hint from each sip. There is no better partnership than the one that exists between hot apple cider and bourbon, which happens to be exactly why we like this spiked fall cocktail so much.

Beyond the spiced rum, you can also spritz in a touch of citrus, like lemon juice or orange bitters to really push it over the top. This slight touch of sourness helps to balance the drink and make it more thirst-quenching. Also, a little bit of maple syrup can be added for those who like the drink to be slightly sweeter.

The best Spiked Hot Apple Cider Recipe

What are the ingredients for Spiked Hot Apple Cider?

The key to making a great spiked hot apple cider is high quality but simple ingredients. What You’ll Need To Make Cider

Apple cider: Use an unfiltered apple cider so it tastes like fresh apples.

Spiced rum: This adds a certain amount of depth to the drink that cannot be gotten from any other spirit.

Cinnamon sticks: A cinnamon stick will give your apple cider a nice, flavorful spiciness.

Cloves: Whole cloves add a richer, more fragrant dimension to the drink.

Star anise (see note): Star any adds a whiff of licorice-like spice.

A squeeze of lemon juice: Altitude is great when the cider makes dessert but a tony zip will cut through that sweetness!

Maple syrup: You can sweeten and add complexity of flavor to your cider using maple syrup.

Cinnamon and nutmeg: To add the warmth of fall spices that we all love in a drink like this I used ground cinnamon (another favorite) and added just enough white pepper to enhance it.

Apple and citrus slices: These are a perfect garnish because they help to flavor while giving you extra color.

How to Mulled Apple Cider for Ultimate Flavor

Mulling apple cider is the process of allowing it to simmer on low heat and steep with spices, which produces a deep, flavorful drink. So begin with a large stock pot or crockpot, and combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise. Simmer so the spices release their oils and add flavor to the cider while it cooks. Stir now and then to help the flavors marry.

When the cider is ready, stir in the spiced rum and a little lime. You can even put a splash of orange bitters if you want it to be too complicated. Top with apple slices, a cinnamon stick, and star anise. Aromatic holiday spices make this hot apple cider perfect for enjoying in your pajamas, wrapped around a blanket with marshmallows on top.

Variations of Spiked Hot Apple Cider You Should Try

Can You Make a Non-Alcoholic Version of This Recipe?

Absolutely! This spiked hot apple cider will work just as well without the spiced rum (if you want to make it non-alcoholic) While the mulling process brings warmth and expression of flavor back into your glass, this drink remains incredibly tasty. If you need a little help in that flavor department, consider throwing some apple juice or extra cinnamon into the mix (sans malt beverage). Use instead, non-alcoholic spiced cider for a family friendly affair that work just as well and is equally cozy.

LiveClean, a company specializing in beverages made from whole-plant hemp oil also has Royal as part of their product line — for those who want the rich taste they can add some ginger or just a bit of pure maple syrup instead. This alcohol-free version is for anyone who wishes to taste the fall flavors of a stiff drink sans any ingredients.

What else works in a spiced apple-sipped cider?

Although spiced rum is an easy choice for spiked apple cider, there are many other liquors that pair well with this drink. Bourbon makes a great heartier drink, with that creamy caramel in there. Another option for spicing up the cider is a little Tequila, which will add some depth and earthiness to it.

If you like your spirits more in balance or to serve as a completely neutral vehicle for the apple and spice, vodka is an option. For a more adventurous—if you can call booze in apple cider an adventure—spike your apple ciders with tequila or bourbon.

How to Serve and Garnish with Spiked Apple Cider

How to Serve This Cocktail for Company

Spiked apple cider is best for a big group and can be done with a crockpot or in your Dutch oven. You can keep the cider warm on your stovetop (or put it in a slow cooker) and let guests self-serve with mugs. The whiskey-drinking device also maintains the cocktail at sip-ready temps, keeping it even warmer and cozier.

You could serve the cider in masons jars for a more festive look or even an elegant mug depending on where you are serving this. Or you could make up a batch of ice and set it next to the spiked cold apple cider for those who want theirs iced. This cocktail is versatile and delicious.

How do you serve your gorgeous spiked apple cider?

Spiked hot apple cider with all the fixings, makes for a great garnish of flavor and presentation. Top with a cinnamon stick or star anise for extra fragrance and spice! You could also lay apple or orange slices on top to make it look fresh and zesty.

For added decadence, you could top the puree with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or some nutmeg. Because there is such a big beautiful ice cube, the drink you add it to will look as good and taste delicious — this additional garnish makes your apple cider cocktail all the more tempting.

Key Takeaways

• Apple cider is the perfect base for fall cocktails, providing a cozy and versatile foundation.
• Spiced rum enhances the flavor, adding warmth and depth to the cocktail.
• To make the perfect spiked hot apple cider, mull the cider with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.
• You can easily create a non-alcoholic version by omitting the rum or adding apple juice.
• For alternative spiked variations, try using bourbon, tequila, or vodka.
• Serve your spiked hot apple cider in a crock pot or Dutch oven for easy access and to keep it warm.
• Garnish your drink with cinnamon sticks, star anise, or apple slices for a festive touch.

This spiked hot apple cider recipe will quickly become your go-to fall cocktail, whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home.