This recipe combines two New England favorites into one indulgent drink: a spiced cider donut-flavored hard cider, inspired by the style made famous by Downeast Cider House in Massachusetts. It starts with a crisp, semi-dry hard cider base, then layers in warm baking spices, a touch of maple, and a vanilla-rum finish that mimics the sugary, cinnamon-sugar coating of a fresh cider donut. The result is a cozy, dessert-like beverage that’s perfect for fall gatherings or a quiet evening by the fire.
Ingredients
- 6 cups (1.4 L) dry hard cider (such as Downeast or another unfiltered brand)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider (non-alcoholic, preferably unfiltered)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) dark rum (optional, for a boozy kick)
- 1 tsp (2 g) ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp (0.5 g) ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp (0.5 g) ground cloves
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- For the rim: 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar + 1 tsp (2 g) ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the apple cider, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- In a large pitcher or punch bowl, pour the hard cider and the spiced cider mixture. Stir well to combine. If using rum, add it now.
- For the rim, mix the sugar and cinnamon on a small plate. Moisten the rims of 6 glasses with a little water or apple cider, then dip each into the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Fill the glasses with ice (if desired) and pour the cider mixture over. Serve immediately, garnished with a cinnamon stick or apple slice if you like.
Tips
- Choose a dry hard cider: A dry cider balances the sweetness of the maple and spices. If you only have a sweet hard cider, reduce the maple syrup to 2 tablespoons (30 ml).
- Make it alcohol-free: Swap the hard cider for sparkling apple cider or non-alcoholic apple cider and omit the rum. The drink will be a spiced apple punch.
- Don’t boil the spices: A gentle simmer is enough to infuse the flavors without cooking off the alcohol in the hard cider (you add it later anyway) or making the drink taste bitter.
- Chill everything first: For a cold drink, refrigerate the hard cider and apple cider before mixing. This avoids diluting with too much ice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cider donut hard cider in chilled glasses with a cinnamon-sugar rim, alongside warm apple cider donuts, a cheese board with sharp cheddar and apples, or roasted nuts. It’s also great as a festive punch at a fall party—double the recipe and serve from a slow cooker on the “warm” setting (do not boil).
Variations
- Caramel Apple: Replace the maple syrup with 1/4 cup (60 ml) caramel sauce and add an extra tablespoon of butter (for a richer flavor).
- Spiced Rum: Use spiced rum instead of dark rum for extra cinnamon and vanilla notes.
- Sparkling Version: Top each glass with a splash of ginger beer or sparkling water for a lighter, fizzier drink.
- Non-Alcoholic: Use a non-alcoholic apple cider (sparkling or still) and skip the rum; add a pinch of citric acid to mimic the tartness of hard cider.
Storage and Reheating
This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftover (without ice) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir before serving. To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat (do not boil) for a hot mulled version. Do not freeze, as the carbonation will be lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any hard cider? Yes, any dry or semi-dry hard cider works. Unfiltered ciders like Downeast have a richer mouthfeel and more apple flavor, which pairs well with the spices.
Is this drink very sweet? It’s moderately sweet, similar to a dessert cocktail. The maple syrup and apple cider add sweetness, but the dry hard cider keeps it balanced. Adjust the maple to taste.
Can I make this in a big batch for a party? Absolutely. Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need and mix in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Add the cinnamon-sugar rim to glasses just before serving.
Can I skip the rum? Yes, the rum is optional. The drink is delicious without it, and you can substitute with a splash of apple brandy or bourbon if you prefer.
How do I get the cinnamon-sugar rim to stick? Use a little water, apple cider, or even honey on the rim—water works fine and doesn’t add extra sweetness. Dip the glass at a 45-degree angle to coat evenly.
Is there a way to make this less alcoholic? Use a low-alcohol hard cider (look for one around 4% ABV) and skip the rum. You can also dilute with extra non-alcoholic apple cider.
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