Drinks
Spiked Apple Cider Cocktail
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Spiked Apple Cider Cocktail comes together in minutes!
- You only need a few simple ingredients.
- Can be served cold or hot.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any occasion.
- Calls for pre-made apple cider, which makes life super easy!
- Served with a brown sugar rim for a perfect sweet addition.
- Is loaded with spiced flavor, but it’s overbearing.
- Can be made with your favorite liquor- doesn’t have to be rum.
- Check out my pumpkin espresso martini for another great fall cocktail!
Ingredients And Substitutions
These are the main ingredients and substitutions for Spiked Apple Cider Cocktail. Scroll down to the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
I used Captain Morgan Spiced Rum for this recipe, but you can easily use your favorite whiskey, bourbon, or even vodka. Add in a splash of fireball if you want to really spice things up.
Using store-bought apple cider makes this recipe extremely easy. Just look for one that has natural ingredients and not a ton of added sugar.
Ginger beer gives a good spice flavor and also adds a nice bubbly texture.
The seasonings I used inside are ground cinnamon and ground ginger which add a subtly kick at the end of each sip. It’s really yummy!
To make things really fancy, line your rim with a brown sugar and cane sugar combo and garnish with a star anise.

How To Make
ONE: Add all the ingredients to a shaker with some ice, shake well and then pour into your favorite glass that’s rimmed with sugar. Garnish with a star anise and enjoy!

Tips And Tricks
Feel free to use a different type of liquor if you don’t like rum! Bourbon, Whiskey, or Vodka will all work great.
Want to kick up the spice level? Add in a splash of fireball whisky!
Use store-bought apple cider, or feel free to make a homemade version.
Want a warm drink instead? Mix all the ingredients together on the stovetop and serve warm in a mug.
How To Serve And Store
Serve this Spiked Apple Cider Cocktail over ice and enjoy cold with brown sugar rimmed glass and star anise for a garnish.
If you are wanting to make a big batch ahead of time, simply mix together all the ingredients and store in the fridge without ice. Then, when you’re ready to serve, rim the glasses, add in the ice and pour over the cocktail.

Taste And Texture
This Spiked Apple Cider Cocktail is filled with sweet apple cider flavor, but has a nice spicy but subtly kick at the end from the ground ginger and ginger beer.
It’s smooth but slightly bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes!! If you are wanting to make a big batch ahead of time, simply mix together all the ingredients and store in the fridge without ice. Then, when you’re ready to serve, rim the glasses, add in the ice and pour over the cocktail.
Absolutely! Feel free to use a different type of liquor if you don’t like rum! Bourbon, Whiskey, or Vodka will all work great.
Yup! Mix all the ingredients together on the stovetop and serve warm in a mug.
Other Recipes You May Like
- Pumpkin Espresso Martini
- Pinot Nior Sangria
- Traditional Espresso Martini
- Pear Tart
- Pumpkin Whipped Feta
If you make this Spiked Apple Cider Cocktail, I would really appreciate a comment and rating down below, under the recipe card. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me over on Instagram, Tiktok or Pinterest!
A delicious yet dangerous combo because you can’t even taste the alcohol.
Hi Sam! I agree! My family loved these over Thanksgiving. Thanks for the comment and rating 🙂
The best Expresso Martini I have ever had. The pumpkin touch makes it festive and perfect for the holidays.
Hi Drew! I’m so glad you enjoyed them! Be sure to check out the original espresso martini for a more classic year round cocktail.