Apple Cider Caramel Cocktail

There’s something about apple cider that just makes it the perfect drink for winter. Maybe it’s the way the sweet, crisp apples combine with the warm spices to create a delicious beverage that’s perfect for warming up on a cold day. Or maybe it’s because apple cider is just so darn good. No matter what the reason, there’s no doubt that hot apple cider is the best drink of winter. And if you don’t believe me, just ask my husband—he’ll tell you that I’m always right! That’s why I came up with this hot buttery Apple Cider Caramel Cocktail!

When it comes to the holidays, I like my drinks warm, smooth, and easy to serve. So we’re going with a warm apple-cider cocktail made in a slow cooker that’s not only going to taste great, it’s going to make your house smell delicious too. Plus, it’s self-serve for a party!

In a slow cooker, you’ll add a gallon of apple cider, along with a stick of unsalted butter, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, and a pinch of salt. Cook on high until hot, then leave on low or warm setting for the rest of the night, letting everyone ladle cups for themselves. Set a bottle of rum next to the slow cooker with a shot glass, which the guests can add at their discretion (wink wink).

Apple Cider Caramel Cocktail

This hot Apple Cider Caramel Cocktail is great for a crowd and is like a warm cup of caramel apple. The melted butter gives it that velvety, buttery taste!

• Author: Amanda MacArthur
• Prep Time: 0 minutes
• Cook Time: 1-8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours
• Yield: 1 gallon 1x
• Category: Drinks

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup REAL maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• Pinch of salt
• 1 bottle of rum (white rum is sweeter, but you can use dark too)
• Optional: cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions

1. In a slow cooker, add all the ingredients. Cook on high until hot (about an hour), then leave on the low or warm setting for the rest of the day/night for your party.
2. Let guests ladle into their own mugs, and set a bottle of rum next to the slow cooker with a shot glass.

It’s perfect for parties because you can drop it all in the slow cooker in the afternoon, and it’ll be ready for a party at night. Don’t forget to leave a ladle and rum! I also like to mark it, because sometimes people think it’s soup!

Do you think you’ll try this Apple Cider Caramel Cocktail? Let me know in the comments!