When the weather cools off, I find myself craving something a little special. A Fiery Rum Cider Cocktail is honestly my favorite way to warm up.
This drink blends spiced rum with crisp apple cider and a touch of heat, making it perfect for any fall gathering or just a cozy night at home. The flavors remind me of autumn leaves, sweaters, and hanging out with good friends.
This cocktail works great as a fall drink, but honestly, it fits right in at holiday parties too. It’s refreshing, a little spicy, and just sweet enough to keep you coming back.
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing recipe with autumn vibes, you’ll want to give this one a try.
Fiery Rum Cider Cocktail Recipe
This cocktail brings together the warmth of spiced rum and Fireball with crisp apple cider and a little citrus. I like to sneak in honey, cinnamon, and fresh orange for a cozy, flavorful glass.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Citrus juicer (manual or electric)
- Bar spoon for stirring
- Small plate for rimming the glass
- Grater or microplane (for optional cinnamon or orange zest)
- Strainer (if using fresh ingredients or zest)
- Rocks glasses or mugs for serving
- Small saucepan (if warming the cider)
- Fine mesh sieve (optional, for strained drinks)
- Ice cubes
I always set out my bar tools before starting—makes things easier and honestly, more fun.
Ingredients
- 2 oz spiced rum (Captain Morgan works, but use your favorite)
- 1 oz Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey for that extra kick
- 4 oz apple cider (fresh or store-bought, just not sparkling)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice (roughly half a lemon)
- 2 dashes Angostura or orange bitters
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (or a cinnamon stick)
- Orange slice for garnish
- Cinnamon-sugar mixture for rimming
- Ice cubes
- Optional: 1/2 oz vanilla extract or spiced apple cider for richer flavor
Sometimes I swap in dark rum for even more depth, and a cinnamon stick is my go-to stirrer.
Instructions
- Rim your glass with lemon juice, then dip it in cinnamon-sugar.
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Pour in the spiced rum, Fireball, apple cider, honey (or maple syrup), lemon juice, and bitters.
- Toss in a pinch of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick.
- Shake it up for about 10-15 seconds.
- Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a cinnamon stick.
- For a warm version, gently heat the apple cider in a small saucepan, then mix with the other ingredients (skip the ice) in a mug.
- Stir and enjoy, hot or cold.
If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll use hard apple cider instead for a fizzy, spiked twist.
Notes
I always taste and adjust the sweetness—apple ciders can be wildly different. If it’s a bit strong, more cider does the trick.
For less heat, just use half the Fireball. Maple syrup can give it a richer vibe than honey. A hint of vanilla? That brings out the apple and cinnamon even more.
Cinnamon whiskey works instead of Fireball if you want it a bit smoother. Orange bitters add a softer citrus note. A cinnamon sugar rim is a must for a sweet crunch.
Stirring with a cinnamon stick bumps up the spice, and sometimes I’ll garnish with both orange and lemon slices just for the look. If you’re making this for a party, mix everything except the ice and garnishes ahead of time.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid
- Small plate (for rimming glass)
- Grater or microplane (optional)
- Strainer (optional, if using fresh fruit/zest)
- Rocks glass or mug
- Small saucepan (for warming cider)
- Fine mesh sieve (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 oz spiced rum
- 1 oz Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey
- 4 oz apple cider non-sparkling
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice about half a lemon
- 2 dashes Angostura or orange bitters
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 orange slice for garnish
- 1 tbsp cinnamon-sugar for rimming
- Ice cubes
- Optional: 1/2 oz vanilla extract or spiced apple cider for deeper flavor
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds.
- Strain into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with an orange slice and cinnamon stick.
- Optional warm version: Gently heat the cider in a small saucepan, then combine all ingredients in a mug (skip the ice). Stir and serve warm.
Tasting Notes
First sip? The deep apple flavor hits right away. The cider brings a sweet-tart thing that just screams fall.
It reminds me a bit of other autumn cocktails, like bourbon apple cider, but the rum and Fireball add their own warm twist.
Here’s what I get in every sip:
- Sweetness from the cider
- Spice from Fireball and cinnamon
- Warmth from dark rum
- Hints of vanilla and oak from the spirits
The Fireball gives a gentle burn, kind of like a fireball hot toddy or even a wildfire cocktail, but it doesn’t take over the drink.
The cinnamon and spice feel super cozy, perfect for chilly nights or holiday parties.
Texture Table
| Element | How It Feels |
|---|---|
| Body | Medium, smooth |
| Finish | Warm, lingering |
| Mouthfeel | Lightly syrupy |
It’s not too strong, honestly. The apple and rum are upfront, with Fireball showing up a little later.
Not as bold as “The Girl on Fireball” cocktail, but definitely spicier than some simple ones.
If you’re into fall flavors, I think you’ll love the mix. The sweet apple and spicy cinnamon balance each other out, making this rum cider cocktail stand out from the usual fireball drinks.
Substitute
Whenever I want to shake things up a bit, I reach for these easy substitutions. Honestly, they’re a lifesaver when I’m missing an ingredient or just craving something a little different.
-
Rum Substitutes:
- Bourbon or rye whiskey if you want a bolder, deeper kick
- Vanilla vodka adds a smooth, sweet vibe
- Tequila? It’s a fun twist—think apple cider margarita
-
Apple Cider Substitutes:
- Cranberry juice brings a tart punch
- Pineapple juice or peach juice gives it a sunny, tropical feel
-
Other Mixers:
- Ginger beer or ginger ale if you’re after that spicy zing
- Dr. Pepper or grenadine for something a little offbeat
-
Citrus and Fruit:
- A splash of lime really wakes things up
- Toss in some pineapple or a couple of cranberries for garnish
Sometimes I’ll mix this up mule-style with ginger beer and lime. Other days, I’ll swap in tequila and lime juice for a margarita version.
Honestly, mixing and matching juices or spirits keeps things interesting. Why not experiment until you land on a combo you love?
