Hot Apple Cider Rum Punch Recipe (2024)

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by Michelle
October 10, 2013 (updated Mar 18, 2020)

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4.42 (34 ratings)

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.

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

Yield: 10 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 20 minutes mins

Hot apple cider, flavored with apples, oranges, ginger and cinnamon, and spiked with dark rum.

4.42 (34 ratings)

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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

Note: The apple cider mixture can be kept warm over low heat for up to 2 hours before adding the rum and serving.

Did you make this recipe?

Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @thebrowneyedbaker on Instagram so I can see it!

Author: Michelle

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Originally published October 10, 2013 — (last updated March 18, 2020)

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28 Comments on “Hot Apple Cider Rum Punch”

Beth McB — January 14, 2022 @ 11:09 am Reply
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.
Kristina — November 28, 2019 @ 5:41 pm Reply
This is a very tasty drink!!
Laura — October 19, 2019 @ 6:42 pm Reply
Hi there. Can you make the cider in large quantities the day before and then just reheat and add rum?
- Michelle — November 8, 2019 @ 10:58 am Reply
  Yes, definitely!
Boyd Kobe — January 17, 2019 @ 10:51 pm Reply
That sounds like a delicious drink! Definitely, want to give this a try. cheers!
Elaine — December 26, 2017 @ 12:43 pm Reply
See Also
10 Amazing Air Fryer Vegetables Recipes
I have a light rum on hand, can I substitute that for dark?
- Michelle — December 26, 2017 @ 9:11 pm Reply
  Hi Elaine, Yes that should work!
Helen — October 10, 2016 @ 12:09 pm Reply
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?
- Michelle — October 12, 2016 @ 2:24 pm Reply
  Hi Helen, I’m not a liquor expert, but I think either of those would work just fine.
Carla — November 4, 2015 @ 10:11 am Reply
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!
Sophie — October 17, 2013 @ 10:30 am Reply
This looks delicious!! I will definitely be making this this Autumn – big love from across the pond! Thanks for the recipe
Positively Angel — October 15, 2013 @ 9:25 pm Reply
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!
Tracy | Pale Yellow — October 14, 2013 @ 2:39 pm Reply
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.
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen — October 11, 2013 @ 11:04 pm Reply
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!
Tracey — October 10, 2013 @ 9:52 pm Reply
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 :)
Sabrina — October 10, 2013 @ 7:16 pm Reply
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!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert — October 10, 2013 @ 6:08 pm Reply
Thank you so much for this recipe! I am also one of those people looking for the perfect hot toddy – brilliant!
Laura @ Lauras Baking Talent — October 10, 2013 @ 5:37 pm Reply
This looks yummy! Great idea for cooler fall evenings :)
Kristi — October 10, 2013 @ 1:37 pm Reply
I love apple cider, and with rum…. woohoo! Holiday drink: check.
Jen — October 10, 2013 @ 12:57 pm Reply
This will be in my crockpot for the Halloween party!! Yum!!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl — October 10, 2013 @ 10:56 am Reply
I would do this without the rum and still enjoy every sip of it!
Lori — October 10, 2013 @ 7:00 am Reply
Michelle,
I wish you lived closer!!!! You are so much fun!!
Becca @ Crumbs — October 10, 2013 @ 3:08 am Reply
This sounds like my kind of punch – love a splash of rum!
Máire — October 10, 2013 @ 3:08 am Reply
I’m standing in the cold at the bus stop- this sounds like the best thing ever right now!
Averie @ Averie Cooks — October 10, 2013 @ 2:34 am Reply
Looks wonderful and love spiked cider/punch. Goes does so easily and leaves you nice and toasty inside :)
Johanna Thompson — October 10, 2013 @ 1:41 am Reply
I love apple cider, nice and hot sitting by my fireplace. Thanks for the recipe.
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes — October 10, 2013 @ 12:51 am Reply
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere ;)
Olivia at ohmy Olivia — October 10, 2013 @ 12:30 am Reply
This looks so good – perfect for a cold fall evening! xo

FAQs

What is the best rum for hot cider? ›

Best rum for spike hot apple cider:

My favorite is good old Captain Morgans!

Get More Info ›

What liquor goes best in hot apple cider? ›

I prefer bourbon but whiskey or a dark rum with caramel flavors would also work wonderfully. What kind of bourbon goes in spiked apple cider? I used Makers Mark for this recipe which is one of my favorite bourbon brands. However, other brands I also recommend Four Roses or Woodford Reserve as other great options.

Is rum or bourbon better in apple cider? ›

Liquor. We recommend spiking apple cider with your favorite kind of whiskey or rum. Whiskey adds warmth to the cider while rum adds sweetness. For a combination of sweet and spicy, try Fireball or another cinnamon whiskey.

Tell Me More ›

Is white rum good in apple cider? ›

I would recommend using aromatic, tart, and crisp apple cider such as heritage ciders. But something light and sweet like honey crisp apple cider would do (Just keep in mind the co*cktails will be sweeter.) Rum. Use white rum of your choice.

Read On ›

What rum is best for rum punch? ›

What rum is best for rum punch? We use both white and dark rum to add a layer of flavor to this typically fruit juicy drink. White rum is most frequently used in mixed drinks, since it's a bit lighter bodied. Dark rum has a more complex flavor profile.

How much alcohol do you need for punch? ›

The ideal alcoholic strength for punch is 5–6 percent. Don't make the drink too strong – that way, the evening will remain pleasant right to the end.

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Why is Jamaican rum so strong? ›

Jamaican rum, which is considered full-bodied, is molasses fermented in large casks called "puncheons" and distilled in pot stills, a practice that dates back to the 17th Century. Full-bodied rums rely on natural, or what is referred to as "wild," fermentation that gives them a distinct flavor.

Get More Info Here ›

Is Captain Morgan Spiced rum good with apple cider? ›

This was tested with Angry Orchard hard apple cider and Captain Morgan spiced rum. I absolutely love how cozy and refreshing this spiced co*cktail is and I know you'll love it too!

Discover More ›

Do you use dark or light rum for apple cider? ›

After the apple cider is cooled, it is poured into a co*cktail glass with dark rum and orange liqueur. For garnish, I like to use a pretty star anise and a smokey cinnamon stick.

Tell Me More ›