Note: today I am delighted to have guest author, Ellen from Family Around The Table and The Best Drink Recipes sharing a recipe for her apple cider rum cocktail. She also includes a mocktail version that is equally delicious!

If you’re looking for a delicious and cozy fall cocktail, this Apple Cider Rum Cocktail is perfect for entertaining or cozy nights by the fireplace. The warm flavors of spiced rum and apple cider will have you thinking of cooler temperatures and fall leaves.

Hey there! I’m Ellen and I blog over at Family Around the Table and The Best Drink Recipes. I’m excited Maureen asked me to write this guest post and share my passion for cocktails with you. A bit about me. I’ve been in the wine and spirits business for most of my adult life working for distributors, owning a brand, and now owning a brokerage company with my husband. I also wrote two food columns for the Tampa Bay Times. To say I love my job would be an understatement!

Why You’ll Love This Rum and Apple Cider Cocktail

I am personally a lover of spiced rum and always have a bottle in my house. I often substitute it for white rum like I did in my spiced piña colada.

• It’s Versatile – While I’ve made this cocktail with ice you could make it warm as well. In a saucepan heat the apple cider and pineapple juice until warm but not boiling. Pour into two mugs, divide the spiced rum between mugs, and float room-temperature ginger ale on top. Now you have delicious a hot cider rum drink.
• Festive – The apple cider and rum combination make this the perfect drink for fall. The warm spices of the spiced rum are perfect for fall.
• Easy to Make – It only takes a few ingredients to make this rum cocktail. 

Ingredients for Apple Cider Rum Cocktail

• Apple Cider
• Pineapple Juice
• Spiced Rum
• Ginger Ale
• Sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, and star anise for garnish, optional
• Ice

Equipment

• Cocktail Shaker
• Liquid Measuring Cup
• Old-Fashioned Glasses

How Do You Serve Apple Cider Cocktail?

While this drink is perfect for October and November it can be served all fall and winter long. I like to serve it in old-fashioned glasses, sometimes also called rocks glasses, which are short stubby glasses. The pictures show an old-fashioned (rocks) glass. They come in a variety of shapes but are always short.

What Does Spiced Rum Taste Like?

Spiced rum is full of warm and comforting flavors, with notes of cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom, and nutmeg. They are many of the same spices used in fall baking recipes. There are a couple of different spiced rums on the market. I tend to stick with the same brand but if you’re new to spiced rum, buy a mini of each and try them to see what you like. 

Make an Apple Cider Spiced Rum Punch

By doubling or tripling the ingredients and making the recipe in a pitcher or punch bowl you can have a punch to serve guests at a party. Leave the ginger ale for guests to add since it’s such a small amount or omit it completely. 

Make it a Mocktail

When entertaining I always like to offer a non-alcoholic option for my guests. This apple cider spiced rum cocktail can easily be made into a mocktail by omitting the spiced rum.

Can I Use Something Other Than Spiced Rum in this Cocktail?

Of course but the flavor profile will be very different. If you’re not a fan of spiced rum or can’t find it for some reason, try a dark rum. The flavor profile will be similar but not exactly the same. You also may want to start with a little less dark rum as the flavor tends to be stronger. 

Dark rums tend to be aged longer imparting more flavor and why you want to start with a little less when making the drink. Taste it and add more if you aren’t getting the flavor profile you want.

What Can I serve with a Spiced Apple Cider Cocktail?

I think fall-inspired appetizers work with this cocktail. Maureen has a couple I would love to serve with it including her apple brie puff pastry or onion and olive focaccia bread. My warm cranberry spread or apple sausage pastry bites would also pair nicely with apple cider and spiced rum.

I want to thank Maureen for this opportunity to guest post on her lovely blog. I hope you enjoy this cocktail, or mocktail, as fall rolls around.