Fall Drinks: 5 Ways to Make Spiked Apple Cider
Apple cider is a classic fall drink, even better when spiked! Whether you’re having friends over for a get-together or just looking for something cozy to enjoy on a chilly autumn evening, we have five recipes to help you make the most delicious spiked apple cider.
Each recipe has something special to offer, whether it’s adding cozy spices or bold liquors. We’ve included drinks perfect for sipping around a cozy fire and designed to start the party. Whatever your preference, these recipes are sure to please. So grab your favorite bottle of apple cider, and let’s get mixing!
Overview of Spiked Apple Cider
With fall’s arrival comes many flavors and ingredients worth exploring. One favorite is spiced apple cider, a delicious beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or taken up a notch to make spiked apple cider. Spiked apple cider is a hot or cold alcoholic drink with heated apple cider and one or more types of liquor or liqueur. Bourbon, rum, brandy, amaretto, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and schnapps are commonly used in spiked apple ciders. Additional ingredients such as nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and/or allspice may also be included for additional flavor and aroma. Ultimately, the finished product’s taste will vary depending on the ingredients used and the recipe followed.
Popular Recipes for Spiked Apple Cider
There are numerous recipes for making spiked apple cider. Some popular recipes include Apple Pie Cider, Hot Buttered Rum Apple Cider, Caramel Apple Cider, Vanilla Bean Spiked Cider, and Apple Cider Moscow Mules. We will break down each recipe in detail below so you can make your own version at home.
Recipe 1: Apple Pie Cider
Ingredients
- 8 cups fresh apple cider
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 whole star anise pods
- 4 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup bourbon whiskey (optional)
Preparation
- Combine the apple cider, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, star anise pods, brown sugar, cloves, and vanilla extract in a large pot over medium heat.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
- Let the cider simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally during this time.
- Remove the pot from heat and discard the star anise pods for a milder taste. Alternatively, you can leave them in for a more pronounced anise flavor, which some people enjoy.
- Optional: Stir in the bourbon whiskey until fully incorporated into the spiced apple cider. Adjust the amount of bourbon to your preference.
- Serve the spiced apple cider warm or at room temperature in glass mugs.
- If desired, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on each serving for extra spice and presentation. Savor and enjoy!
Recipe 2: Hot Buttered Rum Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 8 cups fresh apple cider
- 8 tablespoons butter (at room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¾ cup dark rum (or more to taste)
Preparation
- Add the apple cider and butter to a large pot over medium heat. Stir until the butter is melted.
- Add the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, brown sugar, and cloves to the pot. Stir well to ensure all the spices are fully incorporated.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally during this time to combine the flavors.
- After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat.
- Stir in the dark rum until fully incorporated into the spiced apple cider.
- To serve, ladle the warm spiced apple cider into glasses or mugs.
- Optionally, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg for extra flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy!
Recipe 3: Caramel Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 8 cups fresh apple cider
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (homemade preferred)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 ounces vodka (optional, increase amount as desired)
Preparation
- Combine the apple cider, caramel sauce, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, brown sugar, and cloves in a large pot over medium heat.
- Stir the mixture occasionally and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for 15 minutes, ensuring all the flavors blend.
- After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat.
- If you want to add vodka or another liquor, stir it into the hot cider mixture until fully incorporated.
- To serve, ladle the spiced caramel apple cider into glass mugs or glasses.
- If you’d like, sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon for a delightful presentation. Savor and enjoy!
Recipe 4: Vanilla Bean Spiked Cider
Ingredients
- 8 cups fresh apple cider
- 2 tablespoons real vanilla bean paste
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 3 ounces bourbon whiskey (or other liquor)
Preparation
- In a large pot over medium heat, pour the apple cider and add the vanilla bean paste, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, brown sugar, and cloves.
- Simmer the mixture for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure all the flavors blend.
- After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat.
- Stir in the 3 ounces of bourbon whiskey (or your chosen liquor) until fully combined with the spiced apple cider.
- Ladle the warm spiced bourbon apple cider into glass mugs or glasses to serve.
- Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on each serving for extra flavor and aroma. Enjoy!
Recipe 5: Apple Cider Moscow Mule
Ingredients
- 8 cups fresh apple cider
- 6 ounces lime juice
- 3 ounces vodka (increase amount according to preference)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- Cocktail smoker (Optional)
Preparation
- Combine the apple cider, lime juice, vodka, and honey in a large pot over medium heat.
- Stir the mixture occasionally as you bring it to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for at least 15 minutes, ensuring the flavors are well blended.
- After the simmering is complete, remove the pot from the heat.
- If you have a cocktail smoker, place the mug upside down on the smoker insert. Turn on the smoker until smoke starts appearing inside the mug, then turn it off once it’s done. This will add a subtle smoky flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the cocktail.
- Pour the hot spiced cider mixture into each mug.
- Garnish each mug with a slice of lime and a sprig of fresh mint leaves, then sip and enjoy!
Conclusion
Spiked apple cider is a delicious fall beverage perfect for a cozy evening with friends or a party. This array of recipes can suit all preferences and palates, from the classic Hot Buttered Rum Apple Cider to the modern Apple Cider Moscow Mules. You can easily make spiked cider at home with just a few simple ingredients. So go ahead and mix up a batch of your favorite recipe and enjoy the fall flavors!