Easy & Fast Spiked Apple Cider Cocktail

When the weather gets cold, nothing beats this hot spiked apple cider recipe. The alcohol is optional, but the tasty-cozy-deliciousness is not.

two mugs of spiked warm apple cider cocktail with cinnamon sticks, orange, cranberry, and clove

Ingredients

Optional Garnishes

star anise 2 pods null 1 per serving
cinnamon sticks 2 sticks null 1 per serving
apple (red; we prefer half Fuji and half Red Delicious) 17 oz 482 g 2 1/2 medium apples
orange (peeled) 0.65 oz 18 g 1 orange slice
lemon 0.5 oz 14 g 1 lemon slice (about 1/6 medium lemon)
ginger 0.5 oz 14 g 1" chunk of fresh ginger root
ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp large pinch
ground clove 1/8 tsp small pinch
ground nutmeg 1/8 tsp small pinch
spiced rum 4 oz 113 g 2 oz double shot per serving

Directions

If You Have a Juice Press

  1. Wash, weigh and prep the produce.

  2. Quarter the lemon and place in the press chamber of the juice press.

  3. Grind all of the produce except the lemon, which is already in the press.

  4. Press!

  5. Whisk in the spices.

  6. Slowly bring to a simmer over low heat, remove from heat and add the rum.

  7. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and star anise pod (optional) and serve.

If You Don't Have a Juice Press

  1. Wash and weigh the produce.

  2. Peel the lemon and orange and juice with the rest of the ingredients.

  3. Whisk in the spices.

  4. Slowly bring to a simmer over low heat, remove from heat and add the rum.

  5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and star anise pod (optional) and serve.

Pro tips

  • Got a sweet tooth? Add maple syrup or a pinch or two of brown sugar.

  • Substitute spiced rum for spiced whisky (like Fireball) if that’s more your speed.

  • Looking to make a bigger batch for a holiday party? Multiply the ingredients by six to make just over one gallon of spiked apple cider. And don’t forget the ladle!