Get Ready For Fall With Spiked Apple Cider

The fall season is fast approaching, and with fall comes apple cider and all its delicious goodness.

Apple cider is slept on. It's delicious when you drink it cold, warm, or spiked or mixed into a cocktail.

With fall just around the corner, it's time to put down the tropical cocktails and focus on a drink that makes everything feel cozy.

Let's get into the world of apple cider and all that it has to offer!

Apple Cider Goes Way Back

When we think of apple cider, we think of pumpkin patches, cozy fall nights, and the month of October. Let's put all that aside and go back to the beginning.

Sources say apple cider dates back to 55 BCE, when "Julius Caesar found the Celtic Britons fermenting cider from native crabapples". Apple cider made its way over to America reasonably quickly. Shortly after landing at Plymouth in the 1600s, apple trees were planted. Soon after the trees were planted, apple cider became the most popular drink.

Prohibition slowed the consumption of cider, but apple cider has been making a comeback recently.

It's crisp, sweet, and the perfect pick-me-up.

Apple Cider

Before we get to the spiked part of this recipe, let's learn how to make classic apple cider.

Making apple cider from scratch is simple. It might be time-consuming compared to your regular, old beverage, but it's worth it. So worth it! Here's a rough estimate of how many apples you'll need for your cider. You need around 35 apples to make 1 gallon of cider.

For each set of 10 apples, you'll want to use two fresh oranges. Along with the fruit, it's all about spices. Typically, apple cider recipes call for cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, nutmeg, and allspice berries.

The steps are pretty simple. Start by prepping your fruits. Wash, core, and peel your apples. Now we want apple slices. Slice them into evenly sliced portions. They don't need to be too small; just cut them how you would slice them for eating.

Once your fruit is washed and prepared, get a pot big enough to fit all your ingredients. Add your apples, oranges, spices, and enough cold water so everything is submerged. Then, place over high heat. Once your mixture starts to simmer, lower your heat to medium and let simmer for 2-3 hours. Be sure to watch the simmer and adjust your heat accordingly.

Using a large spoon or potato masher, start to mash the fruit. This step will release that decadent deep apple flavor you want. Once everything is mashed, cover the pot and let it simmer for another hour or so.

It's time for straining. Be careful when straining, as your mixture will be pretty hot. Strain through a mesh strainer; the finer, the better. Press against the strainer to release all the juices.

Brown sugar is a good addition for sweetness. You can add as much or as little as you desire.

And you're ready to serve. You can serve it however you like. Cider is versatile, and it can be served warm or chilled.

Garnish with an orange wheel or cinnamon stick to give it an autumn vibe!

Spiked Apple Cider

Now that we know how to make the cider, let's spike it.

You can spike your apple cider with several different spirits. Apple cider is perfect for spirits that are a little spicier and darker. Bourbon and spiced rum are excellent options if you want to spike your cider. Let's get into some options.

Bourbon Spiked Cider

Let's start with some bourbon options for your apple cider.

Wild Turkey Bourbon

Let's start with a reliable and well-known bourbon. Wild Turkey Bourbon has the rich, complex flavor we're looking for. It's perfectly bold, allowing its flavor to pair well with the decadence of apple cider.

Wild Turkey has notes of "caramel, vanilla, and toffee, with hints of oak and spice." You can expect a lingering finish with a nice oaky sweetness.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Buffalo Trace is an exceptional choice when it comes to spiking your cider. In fact, Buffalo Trace is a key ingredient alongside apple cider in the delicious cocktail, Capital Cider Cider.

Capital City Cider is a concoction of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, champagne, and simple syrup. But that's not all. You'll also need to add cardamom pods and bitters. It's a delicious cocktail that's perfect for fall.

You can't go wrong with Buffalo Trace Bourbon and apple cider. They were made for one another.

Spiced or Dark Rum

Bourbon is great, but spiced and dark rum is also a great spiker for cider. Let's talk about rum!

Captain Morgan Spiced Rum

First up, we have Capitan Morgan Spiced Rum.

When we think of spiced rum, many think directly of the Captain Morgan brand and stop there. Me too!

Captain Morgan is warm and welcoming, with notes of brown sugar, vanilla, and warming spices. It's one of those spirits that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with something else. In this case, it's a treat when it's mixed with some crisp cider.

Kraken Gold Spiced Rum

Next, we have the Kraken Gold Spiced Rum.

The Kraken Gold Spiced Rum has an impeccable flavor profile. It's rich with notes of "vanilla, caramel, and toffee, complemented by hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of sea salt." It pairs deliciously well with apple cider. The spiced nature of the rum and earthy, crisp apple flavor make for a bold connection.

Gosling Black Seal Rum

Spiced Rum isn't the only rum that's perfect for spiking cider. Dark rum also works great when mixed with cider. Here are two options to consider if you want to go down the dark rum route.

Let's start with a fan favorite, Gosling Black Seal Rum.

The Gosling Rum brand is a brand you can trust. After producing rum for over 200 years, they remain a fan favorite. Gosling Black Seal Rum is a seamless blend of mouth-watering notes, including "caramel, vanilla, and butterscotch, complemented by hints of spice, leather, and molasses." Add it to your cider, or go a step further and make a Apple Cider Martini.

An Apple Cider Martini consists of Gosling Black Seal Rum, apple cider, orange juice, and orange liqueur. It's the perfect cocktail for those who enjoy citrus notes. Give it a try!

Let's Answer Some Apple Cider Questions

We're going to answer some of the internet's most frequently asked questions about apple cider. You had questions. We have the answers.

What rum is best for spiked cider?

Ideally, you'll want to use a dark or spiced rum in your cider.

Use your favorite spiced rum! Some popular brands include Capitan Morgan, The Kraken, and Sailor Jerry. If you're a fan of dark rum, check out brands like Gosling and Cruzan.

What are some apple cider cocktails?

Apple cider works exceptionally well as a mixer. You could use it the way you would normally use fruit juice or soda. Apple cider is versatile. You can mix it with just about anything. You can make it into a Margarita, Mimosa, Spritz, or Martini. The options really are endless.

What's the difference between apple juice and apple cider?

Apple cider is the unfiltered version of apple juice.

When you buy apple juice at the store, it's usually a clear liquid that's filtered and processed. Apple cider is a bit different. It's typically cloudy, not clear, and unfiltered. Even more, it usually contains a concoction of spices, like cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.

Is fresh apple cider better than homemade apple cider?

If you don't feel like making homemade cider, don't. Store-bought cider will do the trick and give you your cider fix. But if you make your cider at home, you have more control over the additives you choose to use.

Regardless, it's all delicious.

What cocktail has apple cider and ginger beer in it?

Opt for a Ginger Apple Mule if you want a cocktail that combines apple cider and ginger beer. It's simple, easy, and refreshing. You can make it using whatever you like.

You'll need equal parts ginger beer and apple cider. Then, you'll choose your spirit.

If you want to stay true to a classic Moscow Mule, use vodka as your base. If you want something more distinct and deep in flavor, use bourbon as your base! Don't forget to garnish with an apple slice.

What kind of apples should I use for my cider?

If you want a sweeter cider, you should use Fuji, Red Delicious, Gala, and Cortland are the apples you want to use. If you want a bit of tart goodness, use McIntosh, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady apples. A mixture of both kinds of apples will make the perfect, balanced cider.

What else can I spike my cider with?

The most popular options for spiked cider may be bourbon, rum, and whiskey; however, you can spike your cider with several other spirits.

You can spike your cider with vodka or tequila as well. Vodka works well because it's a neutral spirit with no flavor. If you use tequila, blanco is best. If you're a fan of that smoky flavor, mezcal will also do the trick.

How do I make a hot apple cider cocktail?

If you've already made your apple cider, you'll want to heat it over the stove. Once it's heated, add a spirit of your choosing. Most often, cider is spiked with spirits like bourbon, dark rum, spiced rum, or vodka.

Pour into a mug and garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple slice. Enjoy the cozy cocktail vibes!

What is mulled cider?

When someone refers to cider as mulled cider, it just means that it has been heated and spiced. Usually, cider is spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, etc. It might also be flavored with oranges, apples, or lemons when it's mulled.

Is apple cider just unfiltered apple juice?

Yes. Technically, apple cider is unfiltered apple juice.

Why is apple cider a fall staple?

Apple cider is a fall staple because apples are in season in the fall. September and October are the best months for picking fresh apples. More apples, more cider!

Get Your Cider Essentials

Get the right spirits to spike your cider at NapaCabs.com. Whether you need some bourbon or spiced rum, we have options! It doesn't end there. We have all your favorite wines, beer, and spirits! Get your favorites shipped right to your door with the convenience of shipping through NapaCabs.com!

Contact us with any questions. We're here to help!