Name: Mulled maple apple cider with Rum
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 orange; 1 lemon; 8 whole allspice berries; 4 small cinnamon sticks; 5 whole cloves; 2 whole star anise; 1 quart apple cider; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 1/2 cup dark rum or whiskey (optional (see suggestions above)); Slices of a apple (garnish); Long Cinnamon Sticks (garnish)

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Mulled Maple Apple Cider recipe is infused with dark rum, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, orange and lemon peels, and sweetened with pure maple syrup. Simmered for 30 minutes to blend the flavors, this hot apple cider is strained and spiked with rum for a warming, seasonal drink. It a comforting mulled cider with rum sweetened with pure maple syrup.

Certain beverages just scream the season like this fall inspired mulled cider with rum. It brings to mind fallen leaves, crisp apples and all things harvest. And with the fall chill in the air, a hot apple cider with rum will warm the mind and body all the way to your toes.

So forget the pumpkin spice latte, our Mulled Maple Apple Cider is the true taste of fall. Made with orange and lemon peels, allspice berries, and star anise, this hot cider will warm you up from the inside out.🍂 Add some dark rum for a spicier kick or stick with whiskey for a sweeter sip.

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We used a store bought apple cider and added the flavors of orange and lemon juice plus whole spices. We heated up the mulled apple cider to allow the spices to permeate your apple cider. Add the rum last since high heat will cause the alcohol to dissipate.

So if you are looking for the perfect fall beverage to get you in the spirit? Look no further than this spiced and sweet mulled maple apple cider with a kick of rum. Trust us, you won’t want to share.

What alcohol to use in mulled apple cider:

You could use dark rum, whiskey or bourbon in this mulled maple apple cider. You could also try vodka for a lighter version. Whiskey will give the apple cider a spicier warm taste, while dark rum will give it a sweeter taste but vodka will not add much flavor. If you would like to be a little adventurous try of the cinnamon flavored rums or whiskeys. For a combination of sweet and spicy try Jim Beam Fire Bourbon®, Jack Daniels Tennessee Fire whiskey® or Fireball®. There are a few flavored rums on the market such as Rumcojones® or Devil’s Reef Cinnamon Spiced Rum®.

What is in this Mulled Maple Apple Cider:

Ingredients for Four (1 cup) Servings

1 orange
1 lemon
8 whole allspice berries
4 small cinnamon sticks
5 whole cloves
2 whole star anise
1 quart cider
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup dark rum or whiskey, optional (see suggestions above)
Slices of an apple, garnish
Long Cinnamon Sticks, garnish

Equipment Needed:

🥣 Recipe Tips

Use Fresh, High-Quality Apple Cider: Opt for fresh, unfiltered apple cider from a local orchard or trusted brand for the richest flavor. Avoid overly processed or sweetened versions to let the mulling spices and maple syrup shine.
Simmer Gently to Preserve Flavors: Keep the heat low during the 30-minute simmer to prevent boiling, which can dull the spices’ aroma and evaporate the citrus juices. A gentle simmer ensures the flavors meld perfectly.
Add Alcohol After Heating: Stir in the dark rum (or your chosen spirit) after removing the cider from heat to preserve its alcohol content and flavor. For a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the rum and add a splash of extra apple cider for depth.

How to make Mulled Cider

mulling spices, orange peels and lemon peels

Using a vegetable or citrus peeler, peel both the orange and the lemon. Add the peels, allspice berries, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and the star anise to a sauce pot.

Juice both the orange and the lemon. Add all the juice to the mulling spices and citrus peels in the pot.

adding pure maple syrup to mulled cider with rum

Stir in one quart of apple cider and then add pure maple syrup to the citrus peels and the mulling spices.

Place the pot of mulled maple apple cider on low heat and allow to simmer for 30 minutes. Strain out or remove the spices and peels from the cider. Add 1/2 cup of dark rum, if desired.

Pour your mulled cider with rum into cups and garnish with the apple slices and tall cinnamon sticks. Enjoy!

A warm cup of mulled apple cider with rum is like a hug for the soul on a chilly fall day. Whiskey or dark rum? Sweet or spicy? What’s your choice for the perfect mulled cider experience?

Other Fall Drinks:

🥣 Recipe