Spiked Apple Cider

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

There’s nothing like a hot drink in your hand when it’s chilly. Here’s what we think is a must-have classic for fall: Spicy cider! There’s something about combining sweet cinnamon and cloves with the subtle spicy finish of rum or bourbon that absolutely warms the soul. The liqueur blends seamlessly with the hot cider, creating a smooth sip and a pleasant finish. This recipe has the right balance of spices and alcohol: plus a side benefit: it will make your kitchen smell like autumn candles.

What’s in this Fortified Apple Cider Recipe?

Apple cider is a drink that has been around for thousands of years, traced back to the Romans in 55 BC. BC. This fortified apple cider recipe is cooked hot with spices, then combined with bourbon or rum for a flavorful finish. Here are the ingredients you will need:

• High quality cider, preferably from your local farmers market or orchard. Look for unfiltered cider that will retain the best flavor and color. If you’re short on time and want to make life easier for yourself, you can always buy some pre-seasoned cider and add some rum.
• whole spices: Cinnamon, cloves and star anise. Be sure to use all versions of these spices unground, which is essential for the best flavor. Star anise is the most unique of these spices in American cooking: it should be available at most grocery stores, or you can buy star anise online.
• Bourbon or Rum: For rum, use white, aged, or dark rum. Or use your favorite bourbon!

How to Make Spiced Cider: Basic Method

Making this Spiced Apple Cider recipe is incredibly easy to make—it just takes time! Here are the basic steps:

• Roast the spices: Roast the spices on the stove for a few minutes. This will release their scent (and make your kitchen smell amazing).
• Cook: Add apple cider and heat until heated through, about 30 minutes. You can also use a slow cooker or an Instant Pot: see below.
• Filtered: You’ll notice the particles rise to the surface of the cider as it cooks. Use a colander or fine mesh strainer to strain it (or you can pour it through a strainer into another pan).
• press it: Add rum or bourbon all at once, or add about 2 ounces to each 1-cup serving. By pouring each drink separately, you can serve both non-alcoholic hot cider and fortified cider!

Serve fortified cider for a party

Here are some tips if you want to serve this warming drink at a party!

• Double or triple: You will need to use a larger pot to accommodate.
• Consider Crockpot or Instant Pot: Using a slow cooker to keep cider warm is great for parties. Head over to our slow cooker cider.
• Top up the drinks individually: If you’re serving a crowd, it’s nice to be able to scale the cider individually for each person. Then the drink works for both children and adults.

Use bourbon or rum

What is the best alcohol for a fortified apple cider recipe? Rum or bourbon are your best bets. Any type of rum works: white rum, aged rum, or dark rum (aged or dark rum adds more flavor complexity with hints of vanilla and oak). Any type of bourbon works just as well! The rum blends more seamlessly with the flavor of the cider, making it our top pick. Bourbon is a close second and has a slightly more pronounced flavor on the finish.

You can also make a grog out of it instead! Try Apple Cider Hot Toddy.

More enjoyable drinks

Aside from this fortified apple cider recipe, there are so many winter drinks and warm cocktails to try! Try these cozy options:

This savory apple cider recipe is…

Vegetarian, gluten-free, plant-based, dairy-free and vegan.