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Poisoned Apple Cider

Poisoned Apple Cider – Spooky, Warm, and Perfect for Halloween

This Poisoned Apple Cider is a chillingly delicious Halloween drink! Warm apple cider is infused with spices and “poisoned” with a splash of dark rum (optional) for an adult-friendly twist. Serve in mugs or a cauldron with floating apple slices or cinnamon sticks for a festive, eerie effect. Perfect for parties or cozy fall nights!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Drinks, Party Beverage
Cuisine: American, Halloween-inspired
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups apple cider store-bought or homemade
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 1 star anise optional
  • 1 –2 apple slices per cup
  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice optional
  • ¼ cup dark rum or bourbon optional, for adult version
  • Whipped cream or caramel drizzle optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Mugs or cauldron

Method
 

  1. Heat Spices & Cider – In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and allspice. Heat over medium until warm but not boiling, about 10–12 minutes.
  2. Add Alcohol (Optional) – Remove from heat and stir in dark rum or bourbon, if using.
  3. Serve – Pour into mugs, add apple slices, and garnish with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel. Serve warm.
  4. Optional Halloween Effect – For a “smoky” effect, add a small piece of dry ice to a large serving cauldron (never ingest dry ice).

Notes

Make a non-alcoholic version by skipping the rum/bourbon.
Cinnamon sticks double as a festive stirrer.
Can be prepared in advance and reheated gently on the stove or in a slow cooker.
Adjust spices to taste—more cloves or star anise give a stronger “poisoned” aroma.