Spiced Rum Apple Cider Cocktail Recipe

When fall rolls in, I can’t help but crave new cocktails that feel cozy and are easy to whip up at home. This Spiced Rum Apple Cider Cocktail pulls together the comforting flavors of apple cider and spiced rum, landing somewhere between sweet and just a little spicy.

It’s one of those drinks that’s perfect for a get-together or just curling up on the couch, and honestly, you don’t need any fancy bar gear or weird ingredients.

Honestly, mixing this cocktail is quick and kind of fun—it’s a simple way to make something that feels special. If you like recipes that don’t require a trip to a specialty store, you’ll probably want to try this cider cocktail.

Spiced Rum Apple Cider Cocktail Recipe

As soon as the weather gets chilly, I start thinking about warming up with a spiced rum apple cider cocktail. The trick is fresh apple cider, good spices, and just the right touch of citrus and sweetness.

Equipment

• Small saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Heatproof mug or glass
• Wooden spoon or stirrer
• Strainer (optional, for whole spices)
• Knife and cutting board for slicing citrus or garnishes
• Juicer (for fresh citrus, if preferred)

I always grab a heatproof mug so I don’t burn myself, and a small saucepan does the job for gently warming the cider with spices. Stirring sticks help mix things up, and if I use whole spices, straining is nice to keep the drink smooth.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups apple cider
• 2 oz spiced rum (or dark rum for a deeper flavor)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 2 whole cloves
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 thin slice of orange or lemon
• 1 apple slice (for garnish)
• Extra cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
• Optional:
  • 1 oz whiskey (for extra warmth)
  • Pinch of allspice
  • 1 pat unsalted butter (for a hot buttered rum twist)

Fresh apple cider is the star here, with maple syrup adding some mellow sweetness and citrus brightening everything up. I usually stick with spiced rum for those bold flavors, but sometimes I splash in a bit of whiskey if I want it to feel extra cozy.

Cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon are non-negotiable for that classic fall vibe.

Instructions

• Pour apple cider into the small saucepan.
• Add cinnamon stick, cloves, nutmeg, and orange/lemon slice.
• Heat over medium-low until hot but not boiling (about 5 minutes).
• Remove from heat and stir in maple syrup and spiced rum (plus whiskey and butter if using).
• Strain into a mug to remove spices and citrus, if preferred.
• Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
• Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

I keep an eye on it so the cider never boils—boiling just dulls those lovely apple and spice notes. Adding the rum at the end keeps everything tasting smooth and balanced.

Notes

If I want the spice to really come through, I’ll toss in another cinnamon stick or let the cider sit with the spices a little longer. No spiced rum? Dark rum works just fine.

Whiskey is nice for a little extra depth, but you can totally skip it. Fresh apple cider is key—apple juice just doesn’t cut it for me.

Every now and then, I add a bit of unsalted butter for a creamy, hot buttered rum twist. And for garnish, thin apple slices or a cinnamon stick make the drink look and smell even more inviting.

Tasting Notes

When I first try this spiced rum apple cider cocktail, the sweetness of ripe apples jumps out at me. There’s this gentle warmth from the rum that just feels, well, cozy—like something you want on a chilly night.

Cinnamon and nutmeg show up with a gentle nudge of spice, not too much, just enough. Everything seems to mingle together into a really smooth drink, honestly perfect for holiday gatherings.

I really like how the apple flavor shines through, but it doesn’t drown out the vanilla and caramel notes from the spiced rum. You can serve this cold or warm, so it’s got some flexibility for whatever mood you’re in.

The way the spices hang around after each sip? That’s probably my favorite bit. The aftertaste is crisp, a little autumn in a glass.

If you’re into drinks that aren’t super sweet or too boozy, this spiked apple cider might be right up your alley.