Spiked Apple Cider ~ Food Buddy

This hot spiked apple cider recipe hits all the cozy notes! Rum or bourbon perfectly complements the cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. It’s a fall tradition in my family!

Spiked Apple Cider in a mason jar glass with a star anise floating in the drink, surrounded by fruits, and sitting on a wooden table

What’s better than a warm drink in hand when the weather is chilly? Here’s a classic that’s required for the season, in my opinion: hot spiked apple cider! There’s something about sweet cinnamon and cloves with the subtle spicy finish of rum or bourbon that’s absolutely soul-warming.

I love how the booze melds seamlessly into the hot cider, making a smooth sip and a cozy finish. It has just the right balance of spices and alcohol—and it makes your kitchen smell like a fall candle (a nice bonus!).

What you need to make this cocktail

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. I like unfiltered cider for the best flavor and color. If you’re in a time crunch, you can always buy a pre-spiced apple cider and add rum to that.
Whole spices: cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Using the whole versions of these spices (not ground) is key to getting the best flavor. Star anise is the most unique: it should be available at your local grocery store, or you can buy star anise online.
Bourbon or rum: Use white, aged, or dark rum, or your favorite brand of bourbon.

Why toasting the spices is key

The key to this spiked apple cider recipe is toasting the spices before adding the cider. Warming the spices in a dry pan releases their full fragrance—making your kitchen smell incredible– and deepens the spiced flavor in every sip.

Apple cider spices, including cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise

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 helpful to spike each cup individually. This makes the drink work for both kids and adults.

Spiked apple cider in a mason jar glass, surround by fruits, including apples and cherries, sitting on a wooden table

Alcohol that best with apple cider

Rum or bourbon are the best choices for spiked cider, but brandy also works well. You can also add a small amount of orange liqueur like Triple Sec, Cointreau or Grand Marnier.

Rum melds most seamlessly into the flavor of cider, making it our top choice. Any type of rum works: white, aged, or dark rum. Aged or dark adds more flavor complexity with vanilla and oak notes.

Bourbon is a close second, with a richer finish and a bit more bite; use your favorite brand of bourbon.

Storage and make ahead tips

This spiked apple cider taste best the day it is made, but leftovers lasts up to 2 days refrigerated. To make it ahead, you can mix up the spiced cider up to 1 week in advance, then add the alcohol directly before serving.

Dietary notes

This hot spiked apple cider recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, plant-based, dairy-free, and vegan.