Spiked Apple Cider

Here’s a truly simple cocktail that doesn’t require a degree in mixology to get it right – spiked apple cider. As I said, it’s simple, just apple cider with spiced rum, and finally the pièce de résistance, the garnish. You can create drama in a glass with your garnish, I used a slice of rome apple.

If spiced rum isn’t your thing, you can use your favorite dark or white rum. But if you do make that change you should garnish your spiked apple cider with a spice instead, a cinnamon stick or one whole star anise in each glass. It will make less of eye popping statement, but you’ll get them at the other end, their tastebuds. As soon as you add cinnamon or star anise to this tasty tipple they will be aware of its presence and a smile will appear on their face.

Deliciousness personified is how I would describe this spiked apple cider. You will not be able to stop sipping, so just relax with a glass in your hand, at home, surrounded by your loved ones, and play some holiday tunes. My favorite is Mary Did You Know by CeeLo Green, it’s such a beautiful rendition.

I have served spiked apple cider at many of my dinner parties and girls nights in, and it never disappoints. Usually, when I make this wonderful libation, I don’t use spiced rum. Now don’t get me wrong, spiced rum is the right thing to use. It’s just that me and many of my friends have a particular affinity to rum, as we originate from the Caribbean where rum comes from. We are used to seeing our family drink it for many reasons, celebration, to comfort oneself due to a loss, or an ailment of some kind. Our parents and grandparents have used a variety of rums for specific occasions and reasons. White rum for rum punch, dark rum with coke for my Uncle Herbert, cask rum to soak with herbs and drink as a shot to rid themselves of a cold or ache. There are also rum concoctions which include strange additives, such as tree bark purported to make your man, more of a man!

Moving on quickly…

I didn’t use a spiced rum during my dinner parties, because I prefer a more fragrant, very strong Jamaican white rum – Wrey & Nephew. Now I’m not suggesting you do the same. No, no, no (finger wagging). Wrey & Nephew is way too strong a rum to experiment with if you are not one that is aware of how it can affect your sensibilities. It’s an overproof rum, therefore considerably higher in alcohol content than other rums. So stick to a nice spiced rum and no one will have any explaining to do.

However, if you’re someone who is used to drinking something as strong as an overproof rum, give Wrey & Nephew a try, but make sure to half the amount of rum suggested in my recipe below and garnish with star anise.

Remember, please drink responsibly. Cheers!