Spiked Apple Cider Sangria for Halloween
A warm, spiced, and boozy apple cider sangria perfect for Halloween or cozy fall nights. This easy-to-make drink combines fresh cider, aromatic spices, and bourbon for a comforting seasonal treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 gallon (4 liters) fresh apple cider
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole star anise
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 2 large apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), sliced thinly
- 1.5 cups (355 ml) bourbon or dark rum
- Optional: Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the apple cider into a large heavy-bottomed pot. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar.
- Slice the apples into thin wedges and add them to the pot along with any orange slices if using. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring the cider to a gentle simmer. Do not let it boil vigorously. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
- Once simmering, reduce heat to low and stir in the bourbon or dark rum. Let it warm through for 2 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the sangria steep for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Ladle into mugs, ensuring each serving includes fruit and a spice stick. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
Notes
Do not let the cider boil vigorously as it can make the flavor flat. If the cider is too tart, add more brown sugar; if too sweet, add a splash of lemon juice. For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the bourbon or rum. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 oz
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 0.2
Keywords: Halloween drinks, spiked apple cider, fall cocktails, mulled cider, bourbon cider, easy party drinks, gluten-free drinks