Immerse yourself in the rich, autumnal symphony of flavors with Spiked Apple Cider. This seasonal elixir is a harmonious blend of dark rum paired with cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves, creating a delightful symphony of fall-inspired tastes. It’s the ultimate cider experience.
Apple cider is the ultimate cozy drink base for fall cocktails. I love sharing heart-warming drinks such as an Apple Cider Hot Toddy, as well as chilled cocktails like the Apple Cider Martini or Apple Cider Margarita.
What I Love About This Recipe
- Comforting: Spiked Apple Cider provides a cozy, comforting feeling, making it perfect for chilly evenings and cool autumn days.
- Versatile: It is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed hot or cold, allowing you to tailor it to your preference and the weather. It can also be prepared on the stovetop or in the crockpot.
- Festive: It adds a festive touch to gatherings and parties. Not only will it scent your whole house with a seasonal fragrance it also pairs perfectly with Thanksgiving recipes.
How to Make Spiked Apple Cider
- Warm. Turn the heat to low, gently pour in the apple cider, and introduce the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and whole cloves. Bring it to a gentle simmer, just below bubbling. Set a timer for 30 minutes, and then lower the heat further, ensuring it doesn’t begin boiling.
- Strain. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the whole spices and any sediment that may have risen to the top.
- Prepare. Pour in the rum or bourbon (approximately 2 ounces per cup). Carefully ladle the warm apple cider into the mugs. For an extra touch, you can optionally garnish with a star anise, cinnamon stick, or a slice of orange.
Recipe Variations
- Serve it cold. You have the option to serve spiked apple cider cold or hot. To serve it cold allow it to cool before placing it in the fridge to chill. Add 2 ounces of dark rum or bourbon to a glass and ladle the chilled apple cider mixture into the glass.
- Make it in the Crockpot. Place the apple cider and spices into your Crockpot or slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 3 hours. Add 2 ounces of dark rum to a glass and ladle the hot apple cider on top.
Spiked Apple Cider Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Fine Mesh Sieve
Ingredients
- 8 cups Apple Cider
- 4 Whole Cinnamon Sticks
- 4 Star Anise
- 4 – 6 Whole Cloves
- 1 cup Dark Spiced Rum
Instructions
- Warm. Turn the heat to low, gently pour in the apple cider, and introduce the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and whole cloves. Bring it to a gentle simmer, just below bubbling. Set a timer for 30 minutes, and then lower the heat further, ensuring it doesn't begin boiling.
- Strain. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the whole spices and any sediment that may have risen to the top.
- Prepare. Pour in the rum or bourbon (approximately 2 ounces per cup). Carefully ladle the warm apple cider into the mugs. For an extra touch, you can optionally garnish with a star anise, cinnamon stick, or a slice of orange.
Notes
- Serve it cold. You have the option to serve spiked apple cider cold or hot. To serve it cold allow it to cool before placing it in the fridge to chill. Add 2 ounces of dark rum or bourbon to a glass and ladle the chilled apple cider mixture into the glass.
- Make it in the Crockpot. Place the apple cider and spices into your Crockpot or slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 3 hours. Add 2 ounces of dark rum to a glass and ladle the hot apple cider on top.