Hot Apple Cider Rum Punch
I have wanted to make a spiked hot apple cider recipe for years. Seriously, years. Since 2009, to be exact. In the fall of 2009, my Chief Culinary Consultant played in a local street hockey tournament, along with his cousin’s husband and a few other friends. The first game was on a Friday night, and all of us significant others bundled up and sat outside to cheer them on. His cousin showed up with a thermos of hot toddies to share with everyone. Genius move. Ever since then, I’ve thought that it would be a fantastic idea to have a hot spiked apple cider recipe worthy of thermoses, punch bowls and favorite mugs just waiting for fall to show up. Mission accomplished.
This is a very simple recipe that can be thrown together in a matter of minutes. If you’re hosting a fall-themed party, a bonfire, or are just looking for something hot with a little bit of a kick, look no further. Apple cider is simmered with orange slices, apple slices, fresh ginger and a cinnamon stick until wonderfully fragrant. You could certainly drink it as-is at this point, but if you want the kick… then proceed with the dark rum. It’s a fabulous complement to the flavors in the apple cider mixture and tastes oh-so-delicious going down.
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Grab your coziest blanket and your favorite mug… cheers!
One year ago: Mushroom Lasagna
Two years ago: Cumin and Fennel-Crusted Roast Lamb
Three years ago: Beer and Pretzel Soft Caramel Candies
Four years ago: Lemon Burst Cookies
Five years ago: Brownie Mosaic Cheesecake
Six years ago: Sweet Dinner Rolls
Hot Apple Cider Rum Punch
Ingredients
- 8 cups (1.89 l) apple cider
- 1 apple, thinly sliced crosswise
- 1 orange, thinly sliced crosswise
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 cups (480 ml) dark rum
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the apple cider, apple slices, orange slices, ginger slices and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the rum.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @thebrowneyedbaker on Instagram so I can see it!
I have served this at at least three different annual parties and have always been begged to bring back the following year. Every one loves it.
I DO NOT put the rum in when preparing and serving. I set the impressive bottle by the hot cider and let guest add their own. Depending which party and day of week (the Wednesday evening Reading Club ladies, for example, add little to no Rum) while I think some of my nephews do not or chose not to follow the 1 to 3, rum to cider, ratio.
Regardless, it is thoroughly enjoyed and this recipe is requested often. Who knows how many fall and winter parties in Kansas & Michigan where this recipe for Hot Apple Cider Rum is now being served.
This is a very tasty drink!!
Hi there. Can you make the cider in large quantities the day before and then just reheat and add rum?
Yes, definitely!
That sounds like a delicious drink! Definitely, want to give this a try. cheers!
I have a light rum on hand, can I substitute that for dark?
Hi Elaine, Yes that should work!
Hey Michelle- I don’t have any plain dark rum, only spiced- amber and dark. Could I use one of these or do you think it would overpower the apple /ginger flavour?
Hi Helen, I’m not a liquor expert, but I think either of those would work just fine.
How did I miss this recipe?! So thankful to see your 101 thanksgiving recipes today. I have been getting a CSA basket from a local farm and wondering what to do with my cider!
This looks delicious!! I will definitely be making this this Autumn – big love from across the pond! Thanks for the recipe
This looks so good! I made Hot Buttered Rum a few years ago and loved it, I’m sure I would love this too! Will have to make sure I try it :) Thanks!
Cider and rum is one of my favorite drinks! This such a classier version than what I usually drink! I can’t wait to try.
Love this recipe, Michelle! Last week, I posted my Sparkling Apple Cider Margarita and we enjoyed those. Now, I cannot wait to try your recipe now that the weather will start getting colder. Thanks for sharing, girl. Pinning!
I’ve never had anything like this, but it would definitely be perfect after a long morning of shoveling snow this winter! Your pics are gorgeous too :)
This recipe could not have come at a better time! I head out of town to south lake tahoe and on the way back my husband an I are plannng at stopping at apple hill. Apple hill is a group of growers that sell anything from just plan apples to cider dounts and the fresh ciders as well. Once again thank you and i going to now pick up even more cider than I had orginally planed!
Thank you so much for this recipe! I am also one of those people looking for the perfect hot toddy – brilliant!
This looks yummy! Great idea for cooler fall evenings :)
I love apple cider, and with rum…. woohoo! Holiday drink: check.
This will be in my crockpot for the Halloween party!! Yum!!
I would do this without the rum and still enjoy every sip of it!
Michelle,
I wish you lived closer!!!! You are so much fun!!
This sounds like my kind of punch – love a splash of rum!
I’m standing in the cold at the bus stop- this sounds like the best thing ever right now!
Looks wonderful and love spiked cider/punch. Goes does so easily and leaves you nice and toasty inside :)
I love apple cider, nice and hot sitting by my fireplace. Thanks for the recipe.
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere ;)
This looks so good – perfect for a cold fall evening! xo