Hot Spiked Cider Recipe with Caramel Rim Perfect for Fall
A warm, spiced apple cider infused with your favorite spirit and served with a caramel rim, perfect for cozy fall evenings or festive gatherings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups apple cider
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4–5 whole cloves
- 1–2 star anise (optional)
- 1 fresh orange, sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 ounces of your favorite spirit per serving (whiskey, rum, bourbon, or spiced rum)
- Caramel sauce for rimming glasses
- Coarse sea salt (optional, for the caramel rim)
Instructions
- Prepare the caramel rim: Pour caramel sauce into a shallow dish. Dip the rim of each glass into the sauce, twisting gently to coat. For an optional twist, sprinkle coarse sea salt onto the caramel rim.
- Simmer the cider: In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise (if using), orange slices, and brown sugar. Heat over medium-low for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the alcohol: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in your chosen spirit. Start with 2 ounces per serving and adjust to taste.
- Serve: Carefully ladle the hot spiked cider into the prepared glasses. Pour gently to avoid disturbing the caramel rim.
- Garnish (optional): Add a slice of fresh orange, a cinnamon stick, or a star anise to each glass for a decorative touch.
Notes
[‘Allow the spices to infuse the cider for at least 15 minutes for the best flavor.’, ‘Use a thick caramel sauce and let it set for a minute before pouring the cider to avoid drips.’, ‘Taste the cider before serving and adjust sweetness with more brown sugar if needed.’, ‘For a kid-friendly version, skip the alcohol.’, ‘Store leftover cider (without alcohol) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 50
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: hot spiked cider, caramel rim, fall drink, spiced cider, autumn beverage, cozy drink, festive drink