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Spiked Apple Cider

This hot spiked apple cider recipe hits all the cozy notes! Rum or bourbon perfectly complement the cinnamon, cloves, and…

This hot spiked apple cider recipe hits all the cozy notes! Rum or bourbon perfectly complement the cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. It’s a fall tradition for our family!

What’s better than a warm drink in hand when the weather is chilly? Here’s a classic that’s required for fall, in our opinion: Hot Spiked Apple Cider! There’s something about the combination of sweet cinnamon and cloves with the subtle spicy finish of rum or bourbon that’s absolutely soul warming.

Alex and I love how the liquor melds seamlessly into the hot cider, making a smooth sip and a cozy finish. This recipe has just the right balance of spices with alcohol: and a side benefit: it makes your kitchen smell like a fall candle.

Ingredients in spiked apple cider

This spiked apple cider recipe is simmered with mulling spices, then combined with bourbon or rum for a tasty finish. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

High-quality apple cider, preferably from your farmers market or local orchard. We like unfiltered cider for the best flavor and color. If you’re in a time crunch, you can always buy a pre-spiced apple cider and add rum to that.
Whole spices: cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Using the whole versions of these spices (not ground) is key to getting the best flavor. Star anise is the most unique: it should be available at your local grocery store or you can buy star anise online.
Bourbon or rum: White, aged or dark rum works for the rum, or use your favorite brand of bourbon.

How to make spiced apple cider: basic method

Making this hot spiked apple cider recipe is incredibly easy: all you need is time! Here are the basic steps (or jump to the recipe for quantities):

Toast the spices: Toast the spices for a few minutes on the stovetop. This releases their fragrance (and makes your kitchen smell amazing).
Simmer: Add the apple cider and heat until warmed through, about 30 minutes. You can also use a slow cooker or Instant Pot: see below.
Filter: You’ll notice that particulate rises to the top of the cider while it’s cooking. Use a fine mesh strainer or sieve to strain it off.
Spike it: Add the rum or bourbon all at once, or add about 2 ounces to each 1 cup serving.

Serving spiked apple cider for a party

Here are a few tips if you plan on serving this warming drink at a party:

Double or triple it: You’ll need to use a larger pot to accommodate.
Consider Crockpot or Instant Pot: Using a slow cooker to keep the spiked cider warm is great for parties. Head to our Slow Cooker Apple Cider.
Spike the drinks individually: When you’re serving a crowd, it’s nice to have the flexibility to spike the cider for each person individually. Then, the drink works for both kids and adults.

Best alcohol for spiked apple cider

Rum or bourbon are the best choices for spiked cider, but brandy also works well. You can also add a small amount of orange liqueur like Triple Sec, Cointreau or Grand Marnier.

Rum melds most seamlessly into the flavor of cider, making it our top choice. Any type of rum works: white rum, aged rum, or dark rum. Aged or dark add more flavor complexity with vanilla and oak notes.

Bourbon is a close second, and has a slightly more prominent flavor on the finish; use your favorite brand of bourbon.

Dietary notes

This hot spiked apple cider recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, plant-based, dairy-free, and vegan.

Spiked Apple Cider

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5 from 2 reviews

Author: A Couple Cooks
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 drinks

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Description

This hot spiked apple cider recipe hits all the cozy notes! Rum or bourbon perfectly complement the cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.

Ingredients

½ teaspoon cloves
3 star anise
4 cinnamon sticks
8 cups apple cider
1 cup rum (of any kind) or bourbon
For the garnish: star anise, cinnamon stick, orange slice

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Instructions

Toast the spices: Add the spices to the bottom of a pot*. Toast over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
Simmer: Turn the heat to low. Pour in the apple cider and bring to below a simmer, just barely bubbling. Set a timer for 30 minutes and reduce to low heat (don’t let it simmer).
Filter: Skim off any particulate that rises to the top of the pot using a fine mesh sieve or strainer (or you can pour it through a strainer into another pot).
Serve: Pour in the rum or bourbon (or add 2 ounces to each 1 cup serving). Ladle into 8 mugs. If desired, garnish with star anise, cinnamon stick, or an orange slice.