As someone who has mastered the art of getting cozy in fall, I can tell you that a mug of this spiked apple cider in hand is a must-have this season. I’ve found the perfect balance of warming spices and a splash of bourbon or rum to add that extra comfort. It’s a simple, flavorful fall favorite you can whip up on the stovetop in just 15 minutes. Let me show you how it’s done.
When the temperatures drop, you’ll almost always find me holding a warm mug of something cozy, and this spiked apple cider is my go-to fall cocktail. It’s perfect for laid-back evenings when I want something comforting that warms me from the inside out.
I prepare it by gently simmering unfiltered apple juice with whole spices such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, peppercorns, and fresh ginger. The cider fills the kitchen with the most incredible fall aroma as it warms. When it’s ready, I pour bourbon or spiced rum into cinnamon-sugar rimmed mugs and top them with the hot spiced cider. It’s simple, inviting, and feels instantly seasonal.
This is an easy recipe to scale up if I’m having company, and it comes together in about 15 minutes. Apples, warming spices, and a splash of spirit just belong together this time of year, and this cider is one of those recipes I make on repeat all fall long.
What to spike apple cider with
When it comes to spiking your apple cider, you’ve got choices! My recipe calls for two suggestions: bourbon or spiced rum. Both add depth and warmth to your spiked apple cider, and both taste great – I often alternate between them!
- Bourbon: Its rich, smooth flavor complements the apples’ sweetness. It adds a slightly smoky undertone that melds right in.
- Spiced rum: For those who prefer a bolder flavor, choose spiced rum. It’s more aromatic and flavorful, making it ideal for those who want to enhance fall flavors.
Can I use regular apple juice?
Apple juice is filtered and pasteurized, which doesn’t give the same rich apple taste and caramel color as unfiltered apple juice. You can certainly use it, but it won’t look as golden or taste as rich.
Can I prepare it in advance?
Yep, you can prepare the spiced apple cider up to 3 days ahead of time. Simply store it in the fridge, then warm it up when you’re ready to serve.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply add the cider and spices to your slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until heated through. Then follow steps 2-4 in the recipe card.
Spiked Cider Recipe
- Pin
Ingredients
- ▢ 4 cups unfiltered apple juice
- ▢ 2 cinnamon sticks
- ▢ 4 whole cloves
- ▢ 2 slices ginger
- ▢ 1 star anise
- ▢ ½ teaspoon peppercorns
- ▢ 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (to rim the glasses)
- ▢ ½ cup bourbon or spiced rum
Instructions
- Add the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, anise, and peppercorns to a pot and bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for 10 minutes. 4 cups unfiltered apple juice, 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 whole cloves, 2 slices ginger, 1 star anise, ½ teaspoon peppercorns
- Strain the cider through a fine mesh seive.
- Put the cinnamon sugar in a small dish. Wet the rims of the glasses then dip the rims into the sugar. 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar
- Divide the bourbon between the two glasses and then top with the spiced apple cider. ½ cup bourbon or spiced rum
Video
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
Did you make this?
We love to see what you made! Tag @theendlessmeal or hashtag #theendlessmeal !
Warm and cozy cocktail recipes
For more inspiration, check out all of my cocktail recipes !
Brandy Mulled Wine Recipe
Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy Recipe
Irish Coffee
Classic Hot Toddy
Spiked Cider Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups unfiltered apple juice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 slices ginger
- 1 star anise
- ½ teaspoon peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar , to rim the glasses
- ½ cup bourbon or spiced rum
Instructions
- Add the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, anise, and peppercorns to a pot and bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for 10 minutes. 4 cups unfiltered apple juice, 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 whole cloves, 2 slices ginger, 1 star anise, ½ teaspoon peppercorns
- Strain the cider through a fine mesh seive.
- Put the cinnamon sugar in a small dish. Wet the rims of the glasses then dip the rims into the sugar. 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar
- Divide the bourbon between the two glasses and then top with the spiced apple cider. ½ cup bourbon or spiced rum
