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Cozy Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail with Cinnamon Rim

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A warm and comforting spiced apple cider cocktail with a cinnamon sugar rim, perfect for fall and winter gatherings. This recipe balances sweet, spicy, and citrus notes for a cozy seasonal drink.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (950 ml) fresh, unfiltered apple cider
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4–5 whole cloves
  • Peel from half an orange
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 6 ounces (180 ml) spiced rum or bourbon (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar rim)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Ice cubes as needed for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cinnamon sugar rim by mixing 3 tablespoons sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon on a small plate.
  2. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip the rims gently into the cinnamon sugar to coat evenly. Set the glasses aside.
  3. Pour 4 cups (950 ml) apple cider into a medium saucepan. Add 2 cinnamon sticks, 4-5 whole cloves, and the peel of half an orange (avoid the white pith). Stir in 2 tablespoons brown sugar.
  4. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat until it just begins to simmer, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar and release the spices’ aroma. Do not boil.
  5. Remove from heat and strain the spiced cider into a heatproof pitcher or bowl to remove the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel.
  6. Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and stir.
  7. If using, stir in 6 ounces (180 ml) spiced rum or bourbon. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more brown sugar or maple syrup.
  8. Fill the prepared glasses with ice cubes if desired, then pour the warm spiced cider cocktail over the top.
  9. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or thin orange slice if desired.

Notes

Simmer the cider gently to avoid bitterness and caramelizing the sugar. Add alcohol after removing spices to preserve flavor. Use lemon juice to help cinnamon sugar stick to glass rims. Keep cider warm on low heat if serving over time but avoid reheating after adding alcohol. Adjust spice levels to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: spiced apple cider cocktail, cinnamon rim, fall cocktail, warm drink, holiday cocktail, spiced rum cocktail, cozy drink

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/cozy-spiced-apple-cider-cocktail-recipe-with-cinnamon-rim-easy-guide/