Description
Warm, cozy, and perfectly spiced — this Spiked Hot Apple Cider combines fresh apple cider, cinnamon, and a splash of your favorite spirit for the ultimate fall or holiday drink.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups apple cider (fresh, not spiced)
- ½ cup dark rum, bourbon, or whiskey (see variations below)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 star anise pods (optional)
- 1 orange (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup (optional)
- Apple slices or cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1 – Heat the Base: Pour apple cider into a saucepan over medium heat. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange slices.
- Step 2 – Simmer Gently: Simmer for 10–15 minutes to infuse flavor. Do not boil to preserve the natural sweetness.
- Step 3 – Add the Spike: Remove from heat. Stir in rum, bourbon, or your choice of spirit.
- Step 4 – Serve & Garnish: Pour into mugs or heatproof glasses. Garnish with apple slices or cinnamon sticks. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For a non-alcoholic version, skip the rum or bourbon and add a splash of vanilla extract instead. Perfect for cozy nights, fall gatherings, or holiday celebrations!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Simmered
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg