Print

Flavorful Poison Apple Cider Cocktail

poison apple cider cocktail - featured image

A cozy and slightly wicked autumn cocktail combining warm spices, crisp apple cider, and dark spiced rum for a comforting yet bold fall drink.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) fresh apple cider, preferably unfiltered
  • 4 oz (120 ml) dark spiced rum
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 2 whole cinnamon sticks (one for stirring, one for garnish; smoked cinnamon sticks recommended)
  • 1 whole star anise (optional)
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced thinly
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • ยฝ cup (120 ml) club soda or sparkling water (optional)
  • Ice cubes as needed

Instructions

  1. Pour 2 cups (480 ml) of apple cider into a large saucepan over medium heat. Add sliced ginger, 1 cinnamon stick, and star anise. Heat gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until steaming and fragrant but not boiling.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) maple syrup, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of ground nutmeg. Mix thoroughly.
  3. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a heatproof pitcher or bowl to remove solids.
  4. Add 4 oz (120 ml) dark spiced rum and stir gently to combine. Adjust sweetness or acidity if desired by adding more maple syrup or lemon juice.
  5. Serve warm or chilled over ice cubes. Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick and a star anise pod. Optionally, top with ยฝ cup (120 ml) club soda or sparkling water for a fizzy finish.

Notes

Heat cider gently to avoid boiling off alcohol and bitterness. Use fresh lemon juice for brightness. Smoked cinnamon sticks add extra depth. For a quick cold version, shake ingredients (except spices) with ice. Store spiced cider base without rum in fridge up to 3 days; add rum before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider cocktail, fall cocktail, autumn drink, spiced rum cocktail, warm cocktail, poison apple cider, cozy drink