Spiked Apple Cider Recipe – Cozy, Warm & Perfect for Fall

When the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, nothing hits the spot quite like a Spiked Apple Cider Recipe. This cozy cocktail blends sweet apple cider, warm spices, and your favorite spirit for a drink that feels like a hug in a mug.

Whether you serve it warm by the fire or chilled over ice at a party, spiked apple cider brings all the flavors of fall together — in one irresistible sip.

At inasrecipes.com, we believe every season deserves a signature drink, and this spiced cider is the one for autumn.

Why You’ll Love This Spiked Apple Cider Recipe

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

Just a few pantry staples and your favorite liquor make a bar-worthy cocktail.

Hot or Cold

Serve it warm for cozy nights or chilled for easy entertaining.

Customizable

Choose from bourbon, rum, or vodka — there’s no wrong way to spike it!

Perfect for Fall Gatherings

Ideal for bonfires, Thanksgiving dinners, or weekend get-togethers.

🔗 Want another cozy idea? Try our Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler for dessert!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 cups apple cider (fresh, not spiced)
• ½ cup dark rum, bourbon, or whiskey (see variations below)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 star anise pods (optional)
• 1 orange (sliced)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup (optional)
• Apple slices or cinnamon sticks for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1 – Heat the Base

Pour apple cider into a saucepan over medium heat. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange slices.

2 – Simmer Gently

Simmer for 10–15 minutes to infuse flavor. Don’t boil — you don’t want to lose that natural sweetness.

3 – Add the Spike

Remove from heat. Stir in rum, bourbon, or your choice of spirit.

4 – Serve & Garnish

Pour into mugs or heatproof glasses. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice.

🔗 Hosting a fall brunch? Pair with our Cheddar Cheese Quick Bread.

Alcohol Options for Spiked Apple Cider

Alcohol	Flavor Profile	Best Occasion
Bourbon	Warm, smoky	Classic and comforting
Dark Rum	Sweet, rich	Tropical twist on fall
Whiskey	Spicy, bold	Great for cool nights
Vodka	Clean, neutral	Let the apple shine
Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey	Spicy, sweet	Party favorite
Brandy	Smooth, fruity	Holiday gatherings

💡 Tip: Mix and match — half rum, half bourbon — for a layered flavor profile!

Cold Spiked Apple Cider Variation

Prefer your drinks chilled? No problem.
Simply combine all ingredients (except spices) in a pitcher with ice, stir, and serve. For an extra fancy touch, rim glasses with cinnamon sugar.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Make-Ahead: Prepare the spiced cider (without alcohol) up to 3 days in advance. Add liquor when ready to serve.
• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in airtight jars for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently over low heat; do not boil.

🔗 Looking for another festive drink? Try our Jello Shot Recipe for parties!

Frequently Asked Questions

What alcohol is good in spiked apple cider?

Bourbon, rum, whiskey, vodka, or brandy all work beautifully. Each adds its own warmth and depth to the cider.

How is alcoholic apple cider made?

It’s made by fermenting apple juice until natural sugars turn into alcohol. For homemade spiked cider, you simply mix cider with liquor.

What is good to mix in apple cider?

Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves enhance flavor. Mix-ins like orange slices or ginger add brightness and complexity.

What to serve with spiked apple cider?

Pair it with cheese boards, apple desserts, roasted nuts, or savory casseroles for a perfect fall spread.

Serving Ideas

• Garnish with apple slices, orange wheels, or star anise.
• Serve in mason jars or glass mugs for rustic charm.
• Add a cinnamon sugar rim for sweetness.
• Drizzle with caramel for a dessert-style drink.

🔗 End your evening on a sweet note with our Basque Cheesecake Recipe.

Recipe Card

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Total Time: 20 min

Ingredients

(see list above)

Instructions

1. Simmer cider with spices and orange slices for 10–15 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and add liquor.
3. Pour into mugs, garnish, and serve warm.

Calories per serving: ~180

Print