Print

Best Easy Spiked Cinnamon Apple Cider with Kid-Friendly Mocktail

spiked cinnamon apple cider - featured image
Print Recipe

This cozy spiked cinnamon apple cider is warm, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. It features a kid-friendly mocktail version so everyone can enjoy the same delicious flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups (64 ounces) apple cider, preferably unfiltered
  • 1 large orange, sliced into rounds
  • 4 whole cinnamon sticks, toasted
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves (about 12-15)
  • 2 whole star anise (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 to 1.5 cups bourbon, dark rum, or spiced rum (for spiked version)
  • Cinnamon sugar for rimming mugs (optional)
  • Fresh apple slices, extra star anise, or whipped cream for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Toast the spices: Place cinnamon sticks and whole cloves in a dry skillet over medium heat. Shake gently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
  2. Combine base ingredients: Pour apple cider into a large pot. Add toasted cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise (if using), and orange slices. Stir gently.
  3. Heat slowly: Place pot over medium-low heat. Bring to a gentle simmer (small bubbles around edges) and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add sweetener and vanilla: Stir in maple syrup or brown sugar and vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as desired.
  5. Strain the spices: Remove pot from heat. Pour cider through a fine-mesh strainer into a heatproof bowl or pot. Discard solids.
  6. Add spirit (for spiked version): Stir in chosen spirit, starting with 1 cup and adding more to taste. Do not add before straining.
  7. Prepare mocktail version: Skip alcohol. Stir in an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Rim mugs with cinnamon sugar if desired.
  8. Serve immediately: Ladle hot cider into mugs. Garnish with apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or whipped cream for kids.

Notes

Never boil the cider; heat slowly to preserve flavor. Toasting cinnamon sticks and cloves is essential for depth. For a lower-sugar option, reduce or skip maple syrup. The mocktail version uses apple cider vinegar and extra vanilla to mimic complexity. Leftover un-spiked cider keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days and can be frozen for 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: spiked apple cider, cinnamon apple cider, hot apple cider, fall drink, holiday drink, mocktail, kid-friendly, bourbon cider

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/best-easy-spiked-cinnamon-apple-cider-with-kid-friendly-mocktail/