Spiked Apple Cider

from 2 votes

Cozy up with a warm mug of Spiked Apple Cider! This easy fall cocktail combines fresh apple cider, a hint of citrus, warming spices, and a splash of rum (or your favorite spirit) for a crowd-pleasing drink that’s perfect for holiday parties or chilly autumn nights.

Two mugs containing spiked apple cider with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick.

Fall is undeniably my favorite season. From pumpkin spice lattes to mini apple pies, and of course, all things spooky (yes, even Steven the Spider that haunts our front porch every Halloween!). But when it comes to sipping something warm and cozy, nothing beats a mug full of spiked apple cider.

I first shared this recipe way back in 2011 during a winter family trip to Colorado. My parents, siblings and their partners all gathered around to taste-test my latest creation—mulled apple cider spiked with rum. The whole house smelled like a fall candle, with the cozy scent of cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg wafting through every room. We had a great time toasting the holiday season, and kept refilling our mugs as the cider simmered away on the stove. (Needless to say, it was a big hit!)

Since then, it’s become a tradition, and I make it at least once every fall. The mix of apple cider, bright citrus and those rich, warming spices makes this hot spiked apple cider the ultimate cold-weather drink. Whether you prefer rum, a splash of bourbon or even whiskey, trust me—this is one recipe you’ll want on repeat all season long!

Mulled cider with cinnamon sticks, orange slices and apple wedges in a large pot.

What is Mulled Cider?

Before we dive into everything you’ll need for this recipe, let’s talk a little about this classic fall drink. Mulled cider is simply unfiltered apple juice or apple cider that’s been heated with a mix of mulling spices—think cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and cloves—along with fruits like oranges, lemons and apples. The result? A warm and comforting flavor that’s sweet, tangy and spicy, all in one sip.

I like to spike mine with a splash of dark rum, but you can absolutely skip the booze to keep it family-friendly so everyone can enjoy it!

Grab These Ingredients

An orange and an apple next to various sizes of glass bowls containing cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, vanilla extract, rum, apple cider and brown sugar.
  • Apple cider: Buy fresh apple cider or unfiltered apple juice for the best flavor. The unfiltered kind has a deeper, richer apple taste that makes all the difference in this cozy winter drink. If you can grab some from a local orchard or farmers’ market, even better!
  • Orange slices: The orange adds a burst of citrus to balance the warm spices. Leave the rind on for extra flavor.
  • Spices: Nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon sticks make this hot apple cider taste like autumn in a cup.
  • Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors.
  • Rum: Light, dark, aged or spiced rum all work. You can even try bourbon or whiskey for a twist. As with any cocktail, my rule of thumb is to use what you enjoy drinking!
  • Apple wedges: I love using Cripps Pink apples for their balance of sweet and tart, but really, any variety will work.
  • Whole cloves: These little gems pack a punch of warm, aromatic spice.
  • Brown sugar: This adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the spice.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make Spiked Apple Cider

Making this hot apple cider cocktail couldn’t be easier! Here’s how you can whip it up in no time:

  1. Simmer the cider. In a large pot set over medium heat, combine the apple juice, orange slices, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon sticks, vanilla and rum.
  2. Add the apples. Pierce each apple wedge with a whole clove and add them to the pot.

Pro Tip: I like to pierce the cloves into the apple wedges to avoid any from accidentally getting ladled into the cup (this way it’s attached to a big piece of fruit, which is much less likely to get served into a glass!).

  1. Heat it up. Let everything simmer on medium heat until the cider is warmed through and fragrant, about 15-20 minutes. Be careful not to let your cider come to a boil—it just needs to simmer gently. Boiling can cook off too much alcohol and muddle the flavors.
  2. Strain and serve. Place a fine mesh strainer over a large pitcher (or another pot if you’re keeping it warm). Carefully pour the cider through the strainer to catch the spices and fruit. From there, you can easily pour it into mugs or ladle straight from the pot.

    Tips for Serving at a Party

    Want to serve up this fall drink at your next party? Whether you’re ladling it straight from the pot or keeping it warm in a slow cooker, this spiked cider is guaranteed to have your guests coming back for seconds! Here are a few helpful tips:

    • Make it in a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker and set it to low for about 2 hours. Keep it on the warm setting during the party for easy refills.
    • Make it non-alcoholic. When serving a crowd, I often skip the rum for a delicious mulled cider that everyone can enjoy—kids included. Then, I set out a variety of liquors so my guests can spike their own glass.
    • Add a garnish! Take it up a notch by garnishing with cinnamon sticks, orange slices, or go all out with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce.

    Make-Ahead and Leftover Tips

    Make-Ahead: You can prepare the mulled cider ahead of time without the rum. The fruit doesn’t keep well over time, so strain the cider first, then store the liquid in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stove or in a slow cooker and stir in the rum.

    Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the strained cider in the fridge and enjoy it cold the next day, or gently reheat on the stove. Smaller portions can be reheated in a mug in the microwave.

    Two mugs filled with spiked apple cider garnished with a cinnamon stick and an orange slice. A small bowl with whole cloves and a pot with more mulled cider is nearby.

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    Drinks

    Spiked Apple Cider

    Cozy up with a warm mug of Spiked Apple Cider! This easy fall cocktail combines fresh apple cider, a hint of citrus, warming spices, and a splash of rum (or your favorite spirit) for a crowd-pleasing drink that's perfect for holiday parties or chilly autumn nights.
    Author: Kelly Senyei
    5 from 2 votes
    Two mugs containing spiked apple cider with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick.
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes
    Total Time 25 minutes
    Servings 12 servings

    Ingredients 

    • 8 cups apple cider or apple juice
    • 1 orange, thinly sliced (with rind intact)
    • 1 Tablespoon nutmeg
    • 1 Tablespoon allspice
    • 3 cinnamon sticks
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 4 cups rum
    • 1 large red apple, cut into 8 wedges
    • 8 whole cloves
    • 2 Tablespoons brown sugar

    Instructions 

    • Combine the apple juice, orange slices, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon sticks, vanilla extract and rum in a large pot set over medium heat.
    • Pierce one clove into the skin of each of the apple wedges then add them to the pot.
    • Let simmer until heated throughout, about 15-20 minutes. Be careful not to let your cider come to a boil—it just needs to simmer gently. Boiling can cook off too much alcohol and muddle the flavors.
    • Strain the spiked cider into cups and serve.

    Kelly’s Notes

    • Make it in a slow cooker: Combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker and set it to low for about 2 hours. Keep it on the warm setting during the party for easy refills.
    • When serving a crowd, I often skip the rum for a delicious, non-alcoholic mulled cider that everyone can enjoy. Then, I set out a variety of liquors so my guests can spike their own glass.
    • Cinnamon sticks, orange slices or even a dollop of whipped cream make for fun garnishes to add to each mug.
    • ★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 289kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Sodium: 9mg, Potassium: 211mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 20g, Vitamin A: 35IU, Vitamin C: 8.2mg, Calcium: 34mg, Iron: 0.4mg

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    Comments

    1. Kelsey says:

      5 stars
      Made this over the weekend and it was a HUGE hit! My house smelled amazing and the spiked cider was delish. TY for the recipe!

      1. Kelly Senyei says:

        Love reading this, Kelsey! Thanks!

    2. Tammy says:

      5 stars
      Great recipe, Kelly, thank you so much for sharing it!

      1. Kelly Senyei says:

        You are so welcome, Tammy! Glad you enjoyed the recipe!

    3. Ty says:

      Is there any suggestion for the type of red apple to use? High sugar and low, medium, or high acidity? Something like a Honey Crisp or something like a Jonathan?

      1. Kelly Senyei says:

        Any will do, however, I prefer Cripps Pink!

    4. Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says:

      you had me at “spiked” Happy new year and hope to see you in 2012!

      1. Kelly says:

        Thanks, Alison! A very Happy New Year to you, too, and I hope we can catch up in person soon!

    5. Cassie says:

      Great recipe, Kelly. Fun, definitely, for this time of year. I have leftover cider from Christmas too. Sounds delicious!

      1. Kelly says:

        Thanks, Cassie! Enjoy!

    6. Julie @ Table for Two says:

      I LOVE apple cider and I’m always asking for it to be spiked ;) this sounds like a great, warm drink to have on New Years! :) I love those chocolate covered pretzels too!

      1. Kelly says:

        Thanks so much, Julie, and Happy New Year!