Hot Spiked Apple Cider Cocktail

This Hot Spiked Apple Cider Cocktail recipe is the perfect drink to keep you warm as the temperatures start to cool. It tastes like fall in a glass and will leave your home smelling festive as well! Jump to Recipe

Whether you plan on curling up under a blanket for a scary movie night, are sitting around a bonfire, or hosting a party, this Apple Cider Cocktail is ideal for any activity. I typically make the first batch of the year to sip while we put up our fall decorations. My easy spiked apple cider version simmers on the stove for a few hours and uses spiced rum but is adaptable to whatever liquor you prefer. You can also customize the quantity whether you’re serving a party or a party of two.

The cozy comfort cocktail is a must throughout the fall season, but I especially enjoy serving it for Halloween parties or Thanksgiving. Trick or Treat is another great option as a boozy treat for the parents. You can serve non-alcoholic versions to the kids. I like to serve this hot spiked apple cider cocktail in hollowed out apples, because it doesn’t get more festive than that. They are a huge hit at parties! Normal glasses are obviously fine too though.

Ingredients:

Your Favorite Apple Cider

Pick up your favorite apple cider from the grocery store or farmer’s market. My favorite is from Lynd Fruit Farm for anyone local to Columbus.

Slices of Apple, Orange, and/or Lemon

Its up to you what fruit you’d like to add, but I typically throw in slices of all three if I have them. They add tart, citrus, and sweet flavors to the apple cider.

Whole Spices

Cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise are my favorite whole spices to add to this hot spiked apple cider cocktail. They give the boozy beverage so much additional flavor.

Spiced Rum or Bourbon

Spiced rum goes great in this apple cider cocktail. It gives the drink a kick without tasting too strong. The spice of the rum compliments the spiced apple cider. I used one we brought home from our trip to St Lucia, but any high quality spiced rum will do. Bourbon is another favorite liquor to spike this drink with.

Hollowed Out Apples

A totally optional but highly recommended way to serve this apple cider cocktail is in hollowed out apples. The apples become cups! To hollow them, carefully slice off the top of the apple. You can use an apple corer like this one to remove the core. Just make sure you don't go all the way through the bottom. Then carefully use a pairing knife to widen the "cup" as much as you want. Using a spoon or melon baller remove the inside of the apple. Be sure not to poke through or go too thin or else your drink will leak.

Pro tip: if you’re hosting a party and want to sit the apples out but don’t want them to brown, simply rub the inside with a little lemon juice. It’ll keep them looking fresh! Orange juice also works.

How to make Hot Spiked Apple Cider Cocktail:

Simmer Apple Cider

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven pour in apple cider. Then add sliced fruit and spices. Stir well. Bring to a boil then turn down and simmer for a couple hours. Get ready for your house to smell amazing! This is also known as mulled cider.

Add Spiced Rum or Liquor of Choice

At the end, stir in spiced rum or liquor of choice. Do this at the end so you don’t risk boiling off any of the alcohol. Another option is the leave the liquor on the side for guests to serve themselves as they go. This is also a great approach if you have any kids or non-alcohol drinkers present for a virgin option.

Apple Cider Cocktail Serving Instructions

Simply ladle the spiked apple cider cocktail into hollowed apples, add a cinnamon stick, and serve! If you decide to skip on the apples, serve in mugs or glasses that can handle a hot beverage.

FAQs:

What is the best alcohol to mix with apple cider?

For these spiked apple cider cocktails, I like using spiced rum the best. Bourbon is my second favorite. Vodka also works great, and tequila can be used too.

Can I make these apple cider cocktails in the crockpot?

Absolutely! Just add a couple hours to the cook time. This is a great option for serving at a party or large group gathering. You can leave the crockpot on warm all night for guests to serve themselves.

How do I make this a large batch or smaller batch cocktail?

I follow this simple equation. One gallon of apple cider = 16 cups or servings. One half gallon of apple cider = 8 cups or servings.

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

I would not recommend using apple juice for this recipe unless it is the only thing you can find. In that case I would definitely add more fruit slices and spices. Apple juice is made from apples that are filtered and pasteurized before being bottled. It is a lot less flavorful than cider.

Can I prepare this spiked apple cider cocktail ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare the day before if you wish and store covered, airtight, in the refrigerator. Heat back up thoroughly prior to serving. Don’t add the alcohol until you’re ready to serve it.

Can I store leftovers?

You can! Just as you can prepare it ahead of time, you can also store leftovers, covered, airtight, in the refrigerator. I wouldn’t recommend saving them for longer than a day unless you remove the fruit.

Can I serve this spiked cider cold?

While I think this cocktail is best served warm, you can pour it over ice and serve it punch form in a pitcher as well. Especially for those in parts of the world that are still experiencing summer temperatures, serving over ice turns this comforting drink into an equally refreshing one. I also have a cold apple cider bourbon cocktail.

Serve with...

If you’re making this hot spiked apple cider cocktail recipe for a Halloween party, then these Blood Bag Cocktails are also a fun crowd pleasing idea. For a movie night or football game day, serve them alongside these Easy Homemade Pizza Bagels or this White Chicken Chili or New England Clam Chowder for all around cold weather comfort.

If you liked this recipe you might also enjoy…

Cold Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail, Red Wine Apple Cider Sangria, or Red Wine Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail.