Spiked Apple Cider

There’s nothing like a warm mug of Spiked Apple Cider on a cold day. It’s the perfect hot beverage to serve at the holidays and makes the house smell divine. It’s made with cinnamon sticks, cloves, anise and fresh oranges. It can be spiked with either bourbon or rum.

Looking for a kid-friendly version? Try our stove top apple cider or the Instant Pot version!

Warm spiked apple cider is the perfect drink for a chilly day! It’s also great for holiday or winter parties with family friends. It’s warming with fall spices and some booziness from rum or bourbon.

What I love about making spiked cider is that it’s so easy! Once you have all of your ingredients, you just simmer and stir it. You are going to love it!

This is the Best Hard Apple Cider Recipe!

• You can make it in your crock pot or on the stove. I’m showing you both ways, and whichever you choose, your house is going to smell amazing while it simmers!
• It has just the right amount of spices, which perfectly complement the apple juice.
• It has a boozy kick! Choose rum, bourbon, or another whiskey, and you get a warm spiked cider that is perfect for parties or as a cozy nightcap.
• I’m also sharing tips for serving it as a cold cocktail, so you have another option!

Ingredients

Unfiltered apple juice: Be sure to buy unfiltered juice and not regular apple juice for this recipe.

Spices: Apple cider is flavored with all the fall spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Use whole spices for the best flavor and avoid using ground ones.

Citrus: Thinly sliced clementine oranges simmer in the juice giving the cider a sweet citrus flavor. It’s so good!

Alcohol: You make spike apple cider with bourbon or rum. Whichever you choose, pick a brand that you enjoy the flavor of.

How to Make it in a Slow Cooker or Crock Pot

When I have a busy schedule, I love to make apple cider in my crock pot. I can leave it for several hours without worrying about leaving the house. It’s really convenient.

All you do is put everything except the alcohol in the crock pot, cover it, and then leave it to simmer on low for three to four hours.

Stir in the bourbon or rum and let the cider sit for a few minutes, so the flavors mix.

Remove the fruit and whole spices from the slow cooker, and your spiked apple cider is ready to serve. For parties, I keep it warm in the slow cooker and let everyone help themselves.

How to Make it on the Stove Top

To make it on the stove, just combine all of the ingredients except for the alcohol in a 6-quart dutch oven or pot. Simmer it for two to three hours.

Add the bourbon or rum and let it stand for five to ten minutes. Discard the fruit and spices, and it’s ready to serve!

Spiked apple cider is one of our favorite cold-weather drinks! It’s so cozy and delicious – make a batch, and everyone will love it.

If you prefer a festive drink that isn’t warm, try out this White Christmas Sangria! It’s great for those locations where Christmas just never seems to be cold.

Want more winter cocktail ideas? Be sure to try these amazing recipes, too!

More Warm Alcoholic Drinks

• There’s nothing better than a Hot Toddy when you’re feeling under the weather! It’s warm, soothing, and perfect for a cold night.
• Make a batch of Irish Coffees for your next dinner party! It’s a great after-dinner drink.
• Or, try my Hot Buttered Rum recipe for a cozy drink. It’s rich, buttery, and a great way to warm up when it’s cold outside.
• Mulled Wine is the a great drink to serve at holiday parties! You can make a big batch to share.

Try it and love it? Rate it, please! Seriously though, a five-star rating below will make my day!

If you snap a photo, please be sure to tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!!