Adult Apple Cider

This warm and spiced adult apple cider recipe is perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in. Easy to make with apple cider, cinnamon, and your favorite bourbon, rum, or apple brandy, this drink will keep you warm all season long.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword adult apple cider, apple cider pairing suggestions, apple cider variations, boozy apple cider, bourbon apple cider, easy adult apple cider, fall cocktail, hot apple cider, rum apple cider, spiced apple cider recipe, spiked apple cider

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 30

Total Time 35

Servings

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.