Alex and I love how the booze melds seamlessly into the hot cider, making a smooth sip and a cozy finish. It has just the right balance of spices with alcohol—and it makes your kitchen smell like a fall candle (a nice bonus!).
High-quality apple cider, preferably from your farmers market or local orchard. We like unfiltered cider for the best flavor and color. If you’re in a time crunch, you can always buy a pre-spiced apple cider and add rum to that. Whole spices: cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Using the whole versions of these spices (not ground) is key to getting the best flavor. Star anise is the most unique: it should be available at your local grocery store or you can buy star anise online. Bourbon or rum: White, aged or dark rum works for the rum, or use your favorite brand of bourbon.
Double or triple it: You’ll need to use a larger pot to accommodate. Consider Crockpot or Instant Pot: Using a slow cooker to keep the spiked cider warm is great for parties. Head to our Slow Cooker Apple Cider. Spike the drinks individually: When you’re serving a crowd, it’s nice to have the flexibility to spike the cider for each person individually. This makes the drink work for both kids and adults.
Rum melds most seamlessly into the flavor of cider, making it our top choice. Any type of rum works: white rum, aged rum, or dark rum. Aged or dark add more flavor complexity with vanilla and oak notes. Bourbon is a close second, and has a slightly more prominent flavor on the finish; use your favorite brand of bourbon. 5 from 2 reviews
Try classic cozy drinks like mulled wine, Irish coffee or hot buttered rum. Go for a hot toddy, or try spins like an apple cider hot toddy or rum hot toddy. Enjoy chocolate with spiked hot chocolate, hot peppermint patty or other adult hot chocolate recipes.
