Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Hot Spiced Apple Cider with Rum

Spiced Hot Apple Cider with Rum

Make this autumn warmer with rum for adults, without for kiddies

It’s getting chilly in our part of the world. And the nights are getting longer. Time to warm up with hot apple cider!

This spicy version brings out the best of autumn (and rum helps tame fall’s gloomy chill). But it’s great sans alcohol, too, so the whole family can enjoy.

How about them apples?


Spiced Hot Apple Cider with Rum


Recipe: Spiced Hot Apple Cider with Rum

This drink is easy to make: Just heat apple cider on the stove, add brown sugar and spices, then pour into a mug that you’ve spiked with rum.

How much rum to use? Anywhere from ½ ounce to 1½ ounces, depending on how strong you’d like the drink to be. Or skip the rum entirely and still have a delicious warm beverage.

It’s been a tradition in our household to make this drink on Thanksgiving Day, as a treat before turkey time. But we also enjoy drinking it throughout winter to chase away the gloom. We’ve been drinking it for decades – so long that we’ve forgotten where we got the recipe.

Speaking of which: We use the word “recipe” loosely here. This is definitely a concoction that you should season to taste. And make in whatever quantity you want. So experiment.

Our recipe calls for a quart of apple cider (or apple juice), which will make 4 to 6 servings. But it’s easy enough to pare back on the quantities, or increase them.

Leftover spiced apple cider will keep for a day or two if refrigerated in an airtight container.

Ingredients
  • ~1 quart apple cider (or apple juice; see Notes)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons brown sugar (to taste)
  • ~½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ~¼ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
  • 3 to 4 whole cloves
  • ½ to 1½ ounces dark rum per serving (to taste; can skip this if you want an alcohol-free beverage)
  • garnish of cinnamon stick and/or lemon or orange slice
Procedure
  1. Pour the apple cider into a saucepan that holds at least two quarts. Add the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground allspice (if using), and whole cloves. Bring the cider to a simmer, then let the spices mingle with the cider for 5 minutes or so. Taste, and adjust spices if necessary.
  2. When ready to serve, add dark rum to each serving mug (adjusting the quantity to your taste). Fill each mug with hot spiced apple cider, add garnish if desired, and serve.
Spiced Hot Apple Cider with Rum

Notes
  • You can substitute whole allspice berries for ground allspice if you wish.
  • A dusting of freshly ground nutmeg would also be a welcome addition to this drink. 
  • We’ve never made this drink in the microwave, but that would probably work. Just make sure to use a microwave-safe container (such as Pyrex) that’s large enough to keep the cider mixture from boiling over.
  • You could also probably make this drink in a slow cooker. Just pour all the ingredients (except rum) into the slow cooker and let the appliance do its magic for several hours. We haven’t tried this, but don’t see why it wouldn’t work.
  • What’s the difference between apple cider and apple juice? Well, in some US states (Massachusetts, for example) the law specifies that apple “cider” must be made from raw apple juice that has not undergone a filtration process to remove pulp or sediment. In these states, the product sold as apple “juice” is generally filtered juice that has been pasteurized.
  • In other places, there is no legal difference between the two – the same product might be called “cider” or “juice,” depending on local preference.
  • We think this drink tastes best when made with unfiltered cider (the kind you often find in the produce department). But it also tastes pretty good with apple juice. BTW, we made this drink with juice for the photos accompanying this post – mostly because clear juice makes for a better picture. (Besides, clear liquids are harder to photograph than opaque ones, and we enjoy the challenge.)
  • You can buy apple cider or juice that has been pre-spiced. We like to spice it ourselves, but to each his own.
  • You can also buy spiced rum. We’ve never tasted one that we liked, so we can’t recommend any.
  • Speaking of rum, we think this drink tastes best when made with dark rum. But substitute amber rum if you prefer (or if that’s all you have on hand). The flavor won’t be as deep, but it will still be good.
  • Our favorite dark rum for this drink is Myers’s, a Jamaican rum. But any good name brand will work.
Spiced Hot Apple Cider with Rum

Bad Apples

“Mmm, love this drink,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “And our yearly tradition of imbibing it.”

“Autumn wouldn’t be the same without it,” I said. “And if an apple a day keeps the doctor away, one of these should do the same, no?”

“I don’t think it works quite that way,” said Mrs K R. “Sorry to upset your apple cart.”

Ahh, Mrs K R. The apple of my eye.

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70 comments:

Gerlinde de Broekert said...

I have to try your recipe John, it reminds me of the hot rum drinks we have on the coast of northern Germany . Prost!

Angie's Recipes said...

What a beautiful drink! I love all the spices here, John. The conversations between you two always bring big smile on my face.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Gerlinde, rum takes really well to hot drinks -- such nice flavor. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Angie, we really enjoy writing those conversations (yes, we both write them). And they're very true-to-life. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Pam said...

First pic is awesome, John! It looks delicious and I can think of nothing better on a crisp fall day! Now I know what to do with the slow cooker! And I agree with buying spiced rum. Thanks for sharing!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, that first pic was fun to shoot! Took me a bit of time to figure out how to do it, but worth it. :-) And this drink is totally worth the time to make! Thanks for the comment.

GiGi Eats Celebrities said...

I need a HOT BEVERAGEEEEE right this very minute. Los Angeles is FINALLY experiencing a little bit cooler temperatures - and when it gets below 70 here, it actually gets rather chill because of the ocean breeze! I don't hate it one little bit though! ;)

Unknown said...

Love mulled spiced autumn drinks! So cozy. Wow your apple cider is so clear and vibrant! Stay warm and cozy!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi GiGi, below 70? Gosh, better bundle up and have one or two of these. That'll do the trick. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bobbi, don't you love hot apple cider/juice drinks? We sure do! Thanks for the comment.

Pam said...

Yum! It looks and sounds delicious. One of our neighbors handed these out in to go cups for the parents of Trick or Treaters last night. What great neighbors I have!!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, you have terrific neighbors! What a nice treat. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Ansh said...

First off, that is a dreamy pic. This is a healthy drink :D So perfect for fall! I am going to give it a go in the slow cooker.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ansh, this was a fun photo subject! Even more fun to drink. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

I love this tradition and I'm with you John. I think a drink like this just might keep the doctor away. In any case, I'd be willing to give it a try!

Deb|EastofEdenCooking said...

The nights have gotten very cold, fall has arrived in California! Hot spiced apple cider sounds divine. I like the idea of rum or not, that way everybody can enjoy.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, home-brewed (so to speak) medicine is the best, isn't it? :D Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Deb, this really does tastes good with or without the rum. Somewhat different flavor profiles, of course, but bot h are good. Thanks for the comment.

Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness said...

Sounds like a great drink to warm up with. I will be making this soon, my grandchildren would love it.

Mae Travels said...

Note to self: buy rum. Buy cider.

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dawn, this is so nice on chilly days or nights. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mae, enjoy! :-) Thanks for the comment.

FLAVZCORNER said...

Spiced cider is my favorite fall drink. This looks perfect!

Vicki Bensinger said...

Mmmmm this is one drink I love! Yours looks perfect!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Shibi, it IS perfect. :D Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Vicki, hot spicy apple cider is good, isn't it? Thanks for the comment.

Merryn said...

How perfect for Christmas, but John, this is too pretty to drink! I have to try this one, plus it has the goodness of one serving of fruit and vegetable out of my daily intake of 5. I'll have 2 glasses thanks 8)

Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen said...

Spiced cider is a must right now! I love that you included rum!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Merryn, important to drink your fruit & veggies! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kelsie, rum combines really well with cider -- great flavor match. Thanks for the comment.

Fran @ Gday Souffle said...

Thanks for the explanation of the difference between apple cider and apple juice- this is new information for me. And my eyes widened at the idea of making a 'microwave cocktail'!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Fran, we're intrigued by the idea, too! Haven't tried it yet, but we will. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Emma | Bake Then Eat said...

I’m so glad you put a little explanation about the difference to apple cider and juice, because in the UK cider is an alcoholic sweet fizzy apple drink, which is pretty strong and not overly nice. Although very popular, from your explanation in the UK we would call the clear juice ‘from concentrate’ and the cloudy juice ‘100% fresh’. It’s funny how we all speak the same language yet can completely confuse each other so much. Lovely recipe, I’ll take one with rum please!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Emma, in the US we call alcoholic cider hard cider. And that gets confusing, too, because there's beer-like hard cider that doesn't contain that much booze and is always consumed cold, and higher proof brandy-like hard cider (usually called apple jack) that is used in cocktails. Anyway, use 100% fresh -- with rum! -- and you'll be fine. :-) Thanks for the comment.

mjskit said...

Oh how I could use a cup of this right now! Talk about kicking this cold right out of my head. Sending the hubby to buy some apple cider! Thanks John!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, you definitely need some of this! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Tricia Buice said...

I am absolutely making this soon! I can taste it now and I love that it is an annual tradition. Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Tricia, one of our favorite traditions! Thanks for the comment.

Amira said...

This drink looks AMAZING, we've had gloomy weather for the last week but it is finally clearing out. No rum for me too :) but lovely drink indeed.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amira, you'll be glad to know this is excellent without the rum! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

Love your photo...no on does drink photos the way you do. Your cider drink has me remembering pressing cider at our orchard. Just a little info, a bushel of apples (40 lbs.) makes about 3 gallons of cider.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Karen, must have been really nice to have freshly-pressed cider. :-) Thanks for the very kind comment.

Laura Dembowski said...

This recipe is just in time - I am headed to the cider mill today! I love the idea of making this a Thanksgiving tradition. I bet it would be great with bourbon too.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, the timing is indeed perfect! Haven't tried this with bourbon -- will have to do that. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Eva Taylor said...

A perfect drink to wash away the winter blues and chills! I love hot apple cider and adding rum would make it awesome!

Liz (Good Things) said...

Oh my word... you know it's still chilly here in the night, despite it being spring! xx

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eva, we love this drink at this time of the year! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, this is just as good in spring as in fall. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Frank said...

The nights are getting pretty chilly around here, too. And I have all the fixings for this. I think I'll try it tonight, right after I get the fire going... :-)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Frank, we had this again last night. With a fire. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Debra Eliotseats said...

Yes, indeedy! I remember a family holiday function long ago....spiced apple cider helped me through...:) It is nearing the season for these spiced warming drinks.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Debra, I think we've all been to those functions where bottomless mugs of this were called for. :D Thanks for the comment.

Frank said...

So did we. Enjoyed it a lot.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Glad to hear you liked it! Thanks for letting me know. :-)

handmade by amalia said...

One of my favorite drinks, perfect for a chilly autumn evening.
Amalia
xo

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amalia, this drink goes so well with chilly weather! We have it often at this time of the year. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen said...

I agree, Autumn will not be the same without this drink -- with or without the rum!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Peachy, it's a really nice drink, isn't it? Thanks for the comment.

Food Gal said...

That drink always makes me think of Christmas and ski season in Lake Tahoe. The perfect sip to warm up and to enjoy with friends.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, this would be a great drink after a hard day of skiing! Thanks for the comment.

Marcelle said...

John, we've got a family recipe for non-alcoholic hot apple cider we like to make when it finally cools off here in Texas too. Your's looks and sounds really comforting and the pictures for this post are beautiful!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marcelle, hot apple cider is SO GOOD, isn't it? Thanks for the comment.

Amy (Savory Moments) said...

Love this! I love mulled cider, or any warmed cider, especially with a bit of rum. So perfect for these damp chilly fall days we've been having lately!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amy, it's been damp and really chilly here lately -- some more of this is in order! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Sippity Sup said...

Mrs K R may be correct one of these a day probably won't keep the doctor away, but here is no denying we are entering the dreaded “cold and flu” season. Even here in California, the night air is getting nippier, the days a bit shorter, and more than one person in my life is miserable and sniffly. So my theory is one of these may be be just what that doctor ordered. GREG

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, sounds like the perfect prescription. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Ala said...

You know how to read my mind ;) we don't have real "cold" weather, but I'm warming up all of my drinks these days to prep for November! And rum is my one drink of choice.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ala, rum has terrific flavor, doesn't it? And works so well with apple cider! Thanks for the comment.

Anne@ASaladForAllSeasons said...

Crazy, but I can't remember the last time I had a hot cider. This sounds perfect for these chilly nights. And I think the rum would help to warm my soul! And beautiful photography as always! :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anne, hot cider is really good! And rum is always nice. :-) Thanks for the comment.