How to Make the Best Spiked Apple Cider for Fall
Fall is here, and you know what that means—cooler temperatures, cozy sweaters, and, of course, warm drinks that keep the chill away. While pumpkin spice tends to steal the spotlight, there’s another fall beverage that’s just as festive: apple cider. But we’re taking things up a notch today with an adult apple cider recipe that’s spiked with a little something extra for those crisp autumn evenings. It’s a perfect blend of sweet apples, spices, and booze—ideal for warming you up while you watch the leaves change or gather around a bonfire with friends.
This recipe is incredibly simple but feels fancy enough to impress at any fall gathering, whether it’s a laid-back weekend or a holiday party. And the best part? You can tweak it based on what you have on hand or what flavor profile you’re craving. Let’s dive into this warm, spiced adult apple cider!
Adult Apple Cider Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 gallon of apple cider (preferably unfiltered)
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 4 star anise
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or brown sugar for a sweeter option)
- 1/2 cup bourbon, spiced rum, or apple brandy (more if you want it extra boozy)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or orange slices for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, pour in the apple cider and set over medium heat.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange slices, and lemon slices.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer (but don’t let it boil).
- Once it starts to simmer, reduce heat to low and let the cider steep for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract for added sweetness and warmth.
- When ready to serve, remove from heat and strain out the spices and fruit slices.
- Pour the cider into mugs, and add your choice of bourbon, rum, or apple brandy. Stir well.
- Garnish with apple slices, an extra cinnamon stick, or even a sprig of rosemary for a touch of flair.
This recipe serves a crowd, so feel free to scale it down for a smaller gathering or to enjoy solo on a cool evening.
FAQs About Adult Apple Cider
1. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! The slow cooker is a great option, especially if you’re serving this cider at a party. Simply toss all the ingredients (except the alcohol) into the slow cooker, set it on low, and let it warm for about 2-3 hours. Add the alcohol when you’re ready to serve so it doesn’t evaporate during the cooking process.
2. What’s the best alcohol to use?
This recipe is flexible depending on your taste preferences. Bourbon adds a deep, smoky flavor that complements the spices well. Spiced rum brings a hint of vanilla and warmth. Apple brandy enhances the apple flavor for a double-dose of fall goodness. If you’re unsure, you can always try a small sample with each option and pick your favorite!
3. Can I make this without alcohol?
Of course! You can easily turn this into a family-friendly version by skipping the booze. The spiced cider on its own is still deliciously comforting, and you can let guests spike their own mugs if you’re serving a mixed crowd.
4. How long does it keep?
If you have leftovers, store the spiced cider (without alcohol) in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add the alcohol after reheating to maintain its potency.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the spiced cider in advance! Follow the recipe up to the step where you strain the spices and fruit, then store it in the fridge. Reheat it when you’re ready to serve, and add the alcohol just before pouring it into mugs.
Variations to Try
While this adult apple cider recipe is pretty perfect as is, you can always play around with ingredients to suit your mood or the occasion. Here are some variations to consider:
- Caramel Apple Cider:
Stir in a few tablespoons of caramel sauce to the mix for a rich, dessert-like drink. This pairs beautifully with apple brandy and adds a decadent twist to the cider. - Hard Cider Blend:
Swap out half of the apple cider with your favorite hard cider for an extra boozy kick. This is a fun option for cider lovers and adds a bit of fizz if you use a sparkling hard cider. - Spiced Wine and Cider Combo:
Feeling fancy? Add a bottle of red wine (something fruity like Merlot or Zinfandel) to the simmering cider mixture for a mulled wine effect. The deep flavors of the wine balance beautifully with the sweetness of the cider. - Ginger-Apple Cider:
Throw in a couple of slices of fresh ginger along with the spices for a little zing. This pairs wonderfully with spiced rum and adds a bit of warmth to the drink. - Cranberry-Apple Cider:
For a festive holiday twist, toss in a handful of fresh cranberries while the cider is simmering. The cranberries add a beautiful color and a tart balance to the sweetness of the apples.
What to Serve With Adult Apple Cider
Now that you’ve got your cider ready, it’s time to think about what to serve with it. This warm, cozy drink pairs well with a variety of autumn-inspired snacks and dishes. Here are some ideas to round out your cider experience:
- Cheese board:
A well-curated cheese board with sharp cheddar, Brie, and some tangy blue cheese complements the sweet and spiced flavors of the cider. Add some apple slices, nuts, and dried fruit to match the flavors in the drink. - Spiced Nuts:
Serve a bowl of spiced nuts with cinnamon, sugar, and a little cayenne pepper for a snack that matches the warm spices in the cider. - Apple Pie or Apple Crisp:
Why not go all-in on the apple theme? Serve your adult apple cider with a slice of warm apple pie or a dish of apple crisp. The combination is the ultimate comfort food for fall. - Soft Pretzels:
The saltiness of a soft pretzel pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cider, especially if you’re using a bourbon base in the drink. Serve with some mustard or a warm cheese dip for a satisfying snack. - Pumpkin Bread or Gingerbread:
A slice of pumpkin or gingerbread cake is the perfect match for the rich spices in your cider. The combination of flavors is a celebration of fall.
Storing and Freezing Adult Apple Cider
Storing:
If you find yourself with leftover cider (though that’s rarely the case), you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Just remember to hold off on adding the alcohol until after you’ve reheated it to maintain the strength of the booze.
Freezing:
Yes, you can freeze apple cider! If you want to make a batch ahead of time or preserve some for future chilly nights, simply pour the spiced cider (without alcohol) into a freezer-safe container, leaving some room at the top for expansion. It will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove. Add the alcohol after it’s reheated.
You can also pour the cider into ice cube trays to freeze individual portions. These can be a fun addition to cold cocktails—pop a cube of spiced cider into a glass of bourbon or rum for a quick fall-themed drink!
In Conclusion
This adult apple cider recipe is a must-try this fall. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering, spending a quiet night in, or looking for the perfect drink to sip by the fire, this spiced cider will hit the spot. With so many variations and pairing options, you can make this recipe your own and enjoy it all season long. So grab your favorite mug, pour yourself a warm cup of this boozy cider, and savor the flavors of fall!
Adult Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 1 gal apple cider unfiltered
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 Tbsp whole cloves
- 4 star anise
- 1 orange sliced
- 1 lemon sliced
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1/2 cup bourbon, spiced rum, or apple brandy
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract optional
- apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or orange slices optional garnish
Instructions
- Pour apple cider into a large pot and set over medium heat.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange slices, and lemon slices to the pot.
- Simmer gently (do not boil) for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse.
- Stir in maple syrup and vanilla extract (optional).
- Strain the spices and fruits from the cider, and pour into mugs.
- Add 1-2 oz. of bourbon, rum, or apple brandy per mug.
- Garnish with apple slices, an extra cinnamon stick, or a slice of orange, and serve hot.
Notes
- Store leftover spiced cider (without alcohol) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat on the stove or microwave, and add alcohol after reheating.
- Freeze spiced cider in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.