Go Back
Hot Apple Cider Rum Punch Recipe for Cozy Fall Gatherings

Hot Apple Cider Rum Punch

A warm party punch made with fresh apple cider, dark or spiced rum, orange, cinnamon, cloves, and optional brown sugar. The recipe makes approximately 8 servings of about 10 ounces each.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cider Punch
  • 8 cups Fresh apple cider
  • 1 1/2 cups Dark rum or spiced rum
  • 1 orange Orange, thinly sliced
  • 2 sticks Cinnamon sticks
  • 6 cloves Whole cloves
  • 1/4 cup Packed light brown sugar, optional
Garnish
  • As needed Orange slices, apple slices, or cinnamon sticks

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Pour the apple cider into a large saucepan or stockpot. Add the thinly sliced orange, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and optional brown sugar.
  2. Set the pot over medium heat and warm until the cider is steaming and just below a simmer. Do not let it boil.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and steep the cider mixture for 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the orange and spices time to infuse the cider.
  4. Remove the pot from the heat and strain out the orange slices and spices if desired. Leaving them in the pot is also fine for a rustic presentation.
  5. Stir in the rum only after the pot is off the heat. Adding it at the end helps preserve more alcohol and keeps the punch from developing a harsh flavor.
  6. Ladle the hot punch into heatproof mugs. Garnish each serving with an orange slice, apple slice, or cinnamon stick and serve immediately.

Notes

Fresh, unfiltered apple cider gives the best flavor. Keep the cider hot but never boiling, and add the rum off the heat. Dark rum adds a rich molasses note, while spiced rum gives the punch a sweeter holiday-spice profile.