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Spiked Apple Cider Witches Brew Cocktail

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A warm, comforting Halloween cocktail made with fresh apple cider, dark rum, bourbon, and aromatic spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. This easy 5-ingredient drink offers a sophisticated balance of tartness and sweetness with a velvety texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 gallon fresh-pressed apple cider
  • 1.5 to 2 cups dark rum
  • 1 cup bourbon (optional)
  • 1 large orange, sliced
  • 3 to 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 whole star anise pods
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Pour apple cider into a large Dutch oven or stockpot. Add brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar.
  2. Slice the orange into rounds and add to the pot. Squeeze remaining orange halves and add the juice and pulp.
  3. Place the pot over medium-low heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Do not let it boil. Simmer for 10 minutes to infuse flavors.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the dark rum and bourbon. Let it warm through for another 5 minutes without boiling.
  5. Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the butter until fully melted and incorporated.
  6. Ladle the cider into heat-safe mugs through a fine-mesh strainer to remove spices and orange pulp. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice.

Notes

Do not boil the alcohol after adding it, as this will burn off the alcohol and leave a harsh taste. Keep the temperature below 160°F (70°C). For best results, use fresh-pressed refrigerated cider rather than shelf-stable juice. The butter acts as an emulsifier to create a silky mouthfeel. Leftover spiced cider base (without alcohol) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween cocktail, spiked apple cider, witches brew, hot cider, fall drinks, bourbon cocktail, rum cocktail, easy party drinks

Find it online: https://islatable.com/spiked-apple-cider-witches-brew-cocktail-easy-5-ingredient-halloween-drink/