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    Home » Recipes » Beverages

    Spiked Apple Cider

    Published: Oct 29, 2021 · Modified: Oct 31, 2022 by Lauren Kelly · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    With just 5 simple ingredients, you can enjoy this lightened up Spiked Apple Cider!

    This Spiked Apple Cider is warm, comforting, with a hint of citrus and a kick of rum! No added sugar in here and it's still delicious and will be ready in 10 minutes.

    Two clear glasses of spiked apple cider on a wood board with sliced orange in them.

    Picture this... pure, delicious fall coziness in a glass... Or two....no judgment here...

    I love the fall. I love whipping out my boots, sweaters and cozy jackets (like I did this past weekend).

    I am so excited for the cool, crisp air, the beautiful changing colors of the leaves, the pumpkins and scarecrows, the layers of clothes and let’s not forget the red wine!

    But then, wouldn’t you know it, it was 75 degrees today. Seriously?

    No. I’m over the heat.

    Bring on the fall. For real this time.  

    Of course I am sure I will be complaining about the cold water in a few weeks, but that's just because we usually skip fall and go straight to winter! That really annoys me.

    Ok, back to my cozy clothes and red wine. I mean, spiked apple cider. And crazy amounts of cozy.

    This Spiked Apple Cider does taste delicious with my Chocolate Peppermint Muffins, Cranberry Biscotti, Low Carb Blondie, Chocolate Mousse Cake, Pecan Cheesecake Bars or a Low Carb Homemade Snickers Bar too.

    If you are looking for a super cozy, nonalcoholic drink then my Apple Chai Latte Chamomile Latte or my Low Carb Bulletproof Hot Chocolate are for you! Or I guess you could make this without the rum...

    Why You Should Make This Spiked Apple Cider

    This spiked apple cider is always a huge crowd pleaser and everyone always loves it. Just make sure the kids know it's an adult beverage.

    It's easy to make a mistake! I intentionally made some minus the rum for my kids and they loved it. I just had to mark the pitcher so we knew which one was which!

    I love that it will be ready in 10 minutes so it's easy to whip up right before your guests arrive.

    I didn't think this needed any added sugar, it was sweet enough on its own.  You can add some sugar or even a sugar free alternative (like stevia, erythritol or monk fruit) if you'd like.

    I would say leave it out at first and add sweetener to taste. It really depends on your personal tastes.

    There are many people who like their cocktails sweet, just not me. Again, this cocktail is so versatile and can be made exactly how you like it.

    I like to make a pitcher of it when we are entertaining. And I typically use orange zest and just have some fresh slices of lemon and orange available and have people choose what they want.

    It's definitely a personal preference. And please don't get me wrong, I like them with both lemon AND orange, I just prefer the orange.

    Recipe Ingredients

    Ingredients for Spiked Apple Cider in separate glass bowls on a white background.
    • Apple cider - Make sure you don't forget to buy some fresh apple cider when you go apple picking! Fresh apple cider is the most delicious so try to remember when you are at a local farm. Just be careful, unpasteurized, or fresh apple cider, may contain bacteria that cause illness.  Harmful bacteria must be killed before you drink the cider, which would then make it pasteurized. In order to do this, heat cider to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit to kill off that harmful bacteria.
    • Whole cloves - Not only are these fun with their unique shape, they are strong and pungent and add a bunch of flavor to this spiked apple cider.
    • Orange juice - Fresh juice is best in this recipe. I promise it's worth it.
    • Orange Zest - Always add an extra pop of citrus.
    • Ginger - I use fresh ginger for that added spiciness.
    • Rum or brandy - I personally love using Spiced Rum in this recipe but many people have told me they used brandy and it was delicious.
    • Cinnamon sticks (optional for garnish) - I also love to stir these fun cocktails with cinnamon sticks, which you can buy at any grocery store or buy them here. They are in the spices and seasonings aisle and not only look fun and festive, but they add a little spice to it. My kids even like to use them as straws, although they are technically "green" and safer for the environment, but they don't really work that well!

    How To Make This Spiked Apple Cider

    Place all of the ingredients except the rum in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Let simmer on low for 10 minutes.

    Saucepan with ingredients for spiked apple cider in it on a round wooden tray.

    Remove from heat and drain in a fine mesh colander so only the liquid is reserved.

    Colander over a bowl draining ingredients for spiked apple cider.

    Stir in rum and mix well to combine.

    Glass bowl with a spoon and spiked apple cider in it.

    Serve warm, Add extra cinnamon sticks as garnish if desired.

    One clear glass of spiked apple cider on a wood tray and cinnamon sticks.

    Recipe FAQ's and Expert Tips

    Can I use another alcohol in this?

    I bet whiskey would be great in here as well. It will give your spiked cider a spicier warm taste, while rum will give it a sweeter taste. I also think Fireball (cinnamon whiskey) would be a fun addition to this.

    Can you reheat this spiked apple cider to drink later?

    You can make your mulled cider, strain it and then cool it. When you are ready to serve, just return the mulled cider to a saucepot and gently reheat but do not bring to a boil.

    How do you store any leftovers? If there are any!

    This Spike Apple Cider will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-5 days. The liquor and garnishes may be added immediately after cooking the cider.

    Overhead picture of two clear glasses of cider on a wood tray with sliced apples and cinnamon sticks.

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    Apple Martini from The Spruce Eats

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    Close up of spiked apple cider in glass mugs with floating apple slices and cinnamon sticks in it.

    Spiked Apple Cider

    This Spiked Apple Cider is warm, comforting, with a hint of citrus and a kick of rum! No added sugar in here and it's delicious and will be ready in 10 minutes.
    5 from 18 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: beverage, brunch, cocktail, drink, Drinks, vegetarian
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 6 servings (1 cup each)
    Calories: 174kcal
    Author: Lauren Kelly

    Ingredients

    • ½ gallon apple cider
    • 2 cinnamon sticks
    • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
    • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
    • 1 tablespoon orange zest
    • ½ inch grated ginger
    • ¼ cup spiced rum or brandy

    Instructions

    • Place all of the ingredients except the rum in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
    • Let simmer on low for 10 minutes.
    • Remove from heat and drain in a fine mesh colander so only the liquid is reserved.
    • Stir in rum. Serve warm, Add extra cinnamon sticks as garnish if desired.

    Notes

    This Spiked Apple Cider is best is served immediately.
    However, if you are lucky enough to have leftovers,  this will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
    The liquor and garnishes may be added immediately after cooking the cider.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 336mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @lkellynutrition or tag #lkellynutrition!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Betsy

      November 22, 2021 at 10:23 pm

      5 stars
      Perfect warming drink for these cool evenings! I'll be making this over & over this winter! Delicious and wonderful!

      Reply
    2. Natalie

      November 22, 2021 at 10:08 pm

      5 stars
      A holiday must-have! This will be a crowd pleaser for sure!

      Reply
    3. Erin

      November 22, 2021 at 4:38 pm

      5 stars
      This drink is perfect for fall/winter gatherings. It's warm, comforting, and delish! The holidays are coming, and they're full of sugary treats!! I like that there's no added sugar here.

      Reply
      • Lauren Kelly

        November 22, 2021 at 4:57 pm

        So happy you liked it, Erin! It's one of our favorites!

        Reply
    4. April

      October 11, 2021 at 2:12 pm

      5 stars
      This was amazing! Seriously, the best fall drink. I definitely want to try it with some Fireball next time.

      Reply
      • Lauren Kelly

        November 22, 2021 at 4:57 pm

        Now you're talking! Great idea!

        Reply
    5. Jennifer

      October 11, 2021 at 11:39 am

      5 stars
      This is seriously the best fall drink ever!! So yummy! We had friends over the other night and made this and we all LOVED it!!

      Reply
      • Lauren Kelly

        November 22, 2021 at 4:57 pm

        Thanks so much Jennifer!

        Reply
    6. Andrea Thueson

      October 11, 2021 at 11:28 am

      5 stars
      I made this the other night for game night with some friends, and it was a huge hit!

      Reply
    7. Allyson Zea

      March 08, 2021 at 8:48 am

      5 stars
      This is perfect for those cooler evenings! Love relaxing with a mug of this spiked cider!

      Reply
    8. Lisalia

      March 08, 2021 at 12:58 am

      5 stars
      Cozy and delicious! I can't get enough. We loved having a grown up beverage after the kids were in bed!

      Reply
    9. wilhelmina

      March 07, 2021 at 11:41 am

      5 stars
      This is such a cozy thing to sip on! I loved the the added kick of a little rum, it made it even more relaxing!

      Reply
    10. Zoe R.

      October 18, 2020 at 9:00 am

      5 stars
      THIS....IS....AWESOME

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        November 07, 2020 at 5:51 pm

        Thank you! So glad you like it!

        Reply
    11. Denise

      December 21, 2019 at 7:13 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! Twice making this drink and it is a fantastic hit! We are having guests over for Christmas night and we will be sitting around the fire pit with a few appetizers, can't wait. Also, made jars of it for them to take home. Thanks so much for this beautiful fall receipe!

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        December 22, 2019 at 7:36 am

        So happy you enjoyed it! That sounds so cozy!

        Reply
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    Hi, I'm Lauren! I love creating easy, simple, healthy recipes for you! Many of them are low carb and gluten free, and all of the are delicious!.

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