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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.

    Related Recipes

    Ginger Pear Bourbon Cocktail from No Spoon Necessary

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    Apple Bourbon Smash from a Zestful Kitchen

    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. Brittany

      September 10, 2019 at 3:55 pm

      I was thinking of making this for a book club party. I want to use cranberry juice instead of orange. Anyone have any thoughts on that? I would love some input. Thanks!

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        September 10, 2019 at 7:49 pm

        Hi Brittany! I haven't tried it with cranberry juice but that does sound delicious. Please let me know if you try it!

        Reply
    2. Kara

      December 11, 2018 at 1:43 pm

      5 stars
      Hi, can I keep any that's leftover? If so, how long do you think? A week maybe? Thanks!!

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        December 11, 2018 at 2:17 pm

        Hi Kara! I have never had leftovers 😉 but I bet it would keep for 3-5 days in the refrigerator! Thanks for stopping by!

        Reply
    3. Michael Bolton

      November 27, 2018 at 1:58 pm

      Lauren, you are amazing.

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        December 01, 2018 at 10:07 am

        Well, thank you Michael!

        Reply
    4. Angie | Big Bear's Wife

      October 27, 2015 at 8:55 pm

      It's so cold and rainy here today. I need one of these tonight to help me warm up.

      Reply
    5. Kim Beaulieu

      October 26, 2015 at 4:48 am

      Nothing scrams fall more than apple cider. I love this one. Wish I was sipping one with you.

      Reply
      • Kim Beaulieu

        October 26, 2015 at 4:51 am

        *screams* not scrams. We'd like fall to stick around, not scram. Ha ha ha. This is what happens when I leave comments in the middle of the night. lol! xx

        Reply
    6. Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen

      October 25, 2015 at 3:25 pm

      Yes! I just want to kick back in a cozy sweater, jeans and boots with a glass (or three) of this warm spiked cider. That's fall perfection in my mind.

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        October 25, 2015 at 3:38 pm

        Total fall perfection!

        Reply
    7. Lana | Never Enough Thyme

      October 25, 2015 at 6:33 pm

      Perfect drink for sitting around the fire pit on a cool fall evening! On the menu for next weekend 🙂

      Reply
    8. Aly ~ Cooking In Stilettos

      October 25, 2015 at 6:52 am

      This spiked apple cider looks like the perfect sip for fall! I can definitely see one of those with a touch of bourbon on the agenda for tomorrow!

      Reply
    9. Carolyn

      October 23, 2015 at 11:23 pm

      Aw girl, I wish I could hang out with you and sip one of these right now!

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        October 25, 2015 at 3:38 pm

        Me too Carolyn! I miss you!

        Reply
    10. Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes

      October 23, 2015 at 9:48 pm

      It's Friday and it's after 5 o'clock - bring it on!! Love cider..even more so with rum in it.

      Reply
    11. The Food Hunter

      October 23, 2015 at 9:42 pm

      These go down way too easy 🙂

      Reply
      • lauren.kelly

        October 25, 2015 at 3:39 pm

        Yes Theresa!

        Reply
    12. Lisa M.

      October 23, 2015 at 2:05 pm

      Love it!! this looks like the ultimate Fall drink!

      Reply
    13. Catherine

      October 23, 2015 at 12:39 pm

      Dear Lauren, what a wonderful fall beverage. This sounds fabulous dear! xo, Catherine

      Reply
    14. Jessica @ Stuck On Sweet

      October 23, 2015 at 12:11 pm

      5 stars
      I am the same way - not much of a "booze" drinker, but love me some red wine! However, I think I could drink one or two of these spiked apple ciders. yum! 🙂

      Reply
    15. Rachel @ Baked by Rachel

      October 23, 2015 at 11:06 am

      This is so happening! I love all things apple cider... especially spiked.

      Reply
      • Jeanna

        December 07, 2017 at 6:30 pm

        5 stars
        I did this using caramel vodka once, and again using sour apple pucker once. Both really good!!!

        Reply
        • lauren.kelly

          December 07, 2017 at 6:32 pm

          Oooooh, both great ideas!!

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