Drinks

Spiked Apple Cider Cocktail

This Spiked Apple Cider Cocktail is perfect for the holiday season or any gathering. It comes together with just 3 simple ingredients and is loaded with apple spice flavor. Serve chilled with a brown sugar rim and a star anise!

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two orangish and brownish cocktails that have a brown sugar and sugar rim that are topped with an ice cube and star anise.

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.

all the ingredients that you need to make this cocktail in individual bowls.

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!

a overhead shot of the cocktail showing the gorgeous rimmed glass and a circle ice cube with a star anise.

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.

a up close shot of one of the spiked apple cider cocktails

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

Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?

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.

Can I use a different type of liquor if I don’t like Rum?

Absolutely! Feel free to use a different type of liquor if you don’t like rum! Bourbon, Whiskey, or Vodka will all work great.

Can I serve this drink hot instead of cold?

Yup! Mix all the ingredients together on the stovetop and serve warm in a mug.

Other Recipes You May Like

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 InstagramTiktok or Pinterest!

Spiked Apple Cider Cocktail

This Spiked Apple Cider Cocktail is perfect for the holiday season or any gathering. It comes together with just 3 simple ingredients and is loaded with apple spice flavor. Serve chilled with a brown sugar rim and a star anise!
5 based on 2 reviews
PIN RECIPE
PREP TIME:
2 minutes
COOK TIME:
3 minutes
TOTAL TIME:
5 minutes
Author - Hannah

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz spiced rum
  • 1/3 cup apple cider 
  • 2 oz ginger beer
  • Dash of cinnamon 
  • Dash of ground ginger 
Garnish
  • Rim: honey, cane sugar + brown sugar
  • Garnish star anise 

SCALE:

1X

YIELDS:

1 cocktail

Directions

  • Add all the ingredients to a shaker with some ice, shake well and then pour into your favorite glass that's rimmed with sugar and ice. Garnish with a star anise and enjoy!

Notes

  • 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.

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Leave A Comment And Rate This Recipe!

Rating:

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.