Autumn Spiced Rum Cider

The Autumn Rum Old Fashioned is a seasonal take on a timeless cocktail, bringing warmth and comfort to cool fall evenings. Instead of whiskey, this version uses aged rum, which adds depth with smooth and rich flavor. Apple cider syrup gives the drink a gentle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the rum, while Angostura bitters add layers of spice and aroma. An orange twist on top brightens the drink and ties the flavors together. This cocktail is simple yet full of character, making it a great choice for autumn gatherings, holiday dinners, or a quiet evening by the fire.

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Tasting Notes

The Autumn Spiced Rum Cider blends warmth, spice, and crisp refreshment in one glass. Spiced rum lays the foundation with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and clove, while spiced apple cider adds depth and fruit-forward sweetness. Hard cider lightens the drink with bubbles and a crisp apple bite, keeping the cocktail lively instead of heavy. A few dashes of lemon bitters cut through the richness, adding brightness and balance. Served over ice in a rocks glass, this cocktail feels seasonal yet refreshing, offering cozy spice paired with crisp apple flavors perfect for gatherings where comfort meets refreshment.

Equipment and Glassware

This Autumn Spiced Rum Cider is easy to prepare and requires minimal equipment. A bar spoon is all you need to stir the spiced rum and cider together, ensuring the flavors meld smoothly before topping with hard cider. A jigger is useful for precise measurements, maintaining the balance between sweet, spiced, and citrus notes. Since the drink is built directly in the serving glass, no shaker or strainer is required. A rocks glass is the ideal choice, providing room for ice and carbonation while highlighting the drink’s amber tones. With just a few tools, you can create a polished, flavorful cocktail.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Spiced rum
• 2 oz Spiced apple cider
• 2 0z Hard cider
• 2-3 dashes Lemon bitters

Instructions

• Fill a rocks glass with ice.
• Pour the spiced rum and spiced apple cider over the ice in the glass.
• Stir the mixture well to combine the flavors.
• Pour in the hard cider to top off the drink.
• Finish with 2-3 dashes of lemon bitters for a citrusy twist.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, spiced flavors of this autumn-inspired cocktail.

Pro Tips

• Use a richly spiced rum for the best flavor depth.
• Choose high-quality hard cider for crispness and balance.
• Stir gently to preserve carbonation when adding hard cider.
• Add a cinnamon stick garnish for extra aroma and presentation.
• Pre-chill your glass to keep the drink colder longer.
• Adjust spiced cider quantity for sweetness preference.
• Try a dash of orange bitters alongside lemon for added complexity.
• For a warmer variation, heat the spiced apple cider before building the drink.

When to Serve

The Autumn Spiced Rum Cider is an excellent choice for fall gatherings, offering the right mix of comfort and refreshment. It pairs well with holiday meals, seasonal appetizers, and outdoor celebrations where crisp weather calls for spiced drinks. Its balance of warming rum, sweet cider, and fizzy hard cider makes it versatile suitable for Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or casual evenings by the fire. Light yet flavorful, it works as both a welcome drink for guests and a laid-back cocktail to enjoy on your own. Whenever the season calls for apple and spice, this cocktail is a natural fit.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Spiced Rum: Captain Morgan, Sailor Jerry, Kraken
• Hard Cider: Angry Orchard, Strongbow, Crispin
• Bitters: Fee Brothers Lemon, Scrappy’s, Regans

Similar Cocktails

• Caramel Apple & Spiced Rum Cocktail
• Spiced Apple Tiki Smash
• Spiced Apple Prosecco
• Sparkling Spiced Pumpkin Punch
• Autumn Spiced Rum Punch