Spiced Rum Apple Cider Cocktail
This cozy cocktail combines warm apple cider, bold spiced rum, classic fall spices, and a touch of maple for a perfect drink on chilly days. Simple, comforting, and full of real autumn flavor—great for gatherings or a solo treat.
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Heatproof mug or glass
- Wooden spoon or stirrer
- Strainer
- Knife and cutting board
- Juicer
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups apple cider fresh if possible
- 2 oz spiced rum or dark rum
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- 0.125 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 slice orange or lemon thin, for simmering
- 1 slice apple for garnish
- extra cinnamon sticks for garnish
- 1 oz whiskey optional, for extra warmth
- pinch of allspice optional
- 1 pat unsalted butter optional, for hot buttered rum
Instructions
- Pour apple cider into a small saucepan.
- Add cinnamon stick, cloves, nutmeg, and orange or lemon slice. Optional: add allspice.
- Heat over medium-low until hot but not boiling (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in maple syrup, spiced rum, whiskey, and butter if using.
- Garnish with apple slice and cinnamon stick. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Let the cider sit longer with the spices for more flavor. Dark rum can replace spiced rum. Whiskey adds warmth, but skip for a lighter version. Add a pat of butter for a hot buttered rum twist. Fresh apple cider makes the drink shine.