This hot spiked apple cider recipe hits all the cozy notes! Rum or bourbon perfectly complement the cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.

There’s nothing better than a warm drink in hand when the weather is chilly. Here’s a classic that’s required for fall, in our opinion: Hot Spiked Apple Cider! There’s something about the combination of sweet cinnamon and cloves with the subtle spicy finish of rum or bourbon that’s absolutely soul warming. The liquor melds seamlessly into the hot cider, making a smooth sip and a cozy finish. This recipe has just the right balance of spices with alcohol: and a side benefit: it makes your kitchen smell like a fall candle.

What’s in this spiked apple cider recipe?

Apple cider is a drink that’s been around for thousands of years, dating back to the Romans in 55 BC! This spiked apple cider recipe is simmered with mulling spices, then combined with bourbon or rum for a tasty finish. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

High-quality apple cider, preferably from your farmers market or local orchard. Look for unfiltered cider, which maintains the best flavor and color. If you’re in a time crunch and want to make your life super easy, you can always buy a pre-spiced apple cider and add rum to that.
Whole spices: cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Make sure to use the whole versions of these spices, not ground, which is key to getting the best flavor. Star anise is the most unique of these spices to the American kitchen: it should be available at most grocery stores or you can buy star anise online.
Bourbon or rum: White, aged or dark rum works for the rum. Or use your favorite type of bourbon!

How to make spiced apple cider: basic method

Making this hot spiked apple cider recipe is incredibly easy: all you need is time! Here are the basic steps:

Toast the spices: Toast the spices for a few minutes on the stovetop. This releases their fragrance (and makes your kitchen smell amazing).
Simmer: Add the apple cider and heat until warmed through, about 30 minutes. You can also use a slow cooker or Instant Pot: see below.
Filter: You’ll notice that particulate rises to the top of the cider while it’s cooking. Use a fine mesh strainer or sieve to strain it off (or you can pour it through a strainer into another pot).
Spike it: Add the rum or bourbon all at once, or add about 2 ounces to each 1 cup serving. Spiking each drink separately lets you serve both non-alcoholic hot cider and spiked cider at the same time!

Serving spiked apple cider for a party

Here are a few tips if you plan on serving this warming drink at a party!

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. Then the drink works for both kids and adults.

Use bourbon or rum

What’s the best alcohol to use for a spiked apple cider recipe? Rum or bourbon are the best choices. Any type of rum works: white rum, aged rum, or dark rum (aged or dark will add more flavor complexity with vanilla and oak notes). Any type of bourbon works as well! The rum melds more seamlessly into the flavor of cider, making it our top choice. Bourbon is a close second, and has a slightly more prominent flavor on the finish.

You can also make it as a hot toddy instead! Try Apple Cider Hot Toddy.

More cozy drinks

Outside of this spiked apple cider recipe, there are so many winter drinks and hot cocktails to try! Try these cozy options:

Try cozy Mulled Wine
Make Hot Buttered Rum
Mix up a Classic Hot Toddy, Apple Cider Hot Toddy or Rum Hot Toddy
Go chocolaty with Spiked Hot Chocolate, Hot Peppermint Patty or other Adult Hot Chocolate recipes
Try classic Irish Coffee

Mulled Wine

Hot Buttered Rum

Spiked Hot Chocolate

Hot Toddy

This hot spiked apple cider recipe is…

Vegetarian, gluten-free, plant-based, dairy-free, and vegan.