Description
A jewel-toned apple cider cocktail layered with pomegranate, warm spices, and dark rum or bourbon—perfect for Halloween parties and cozy winter gatherings, with an easy mocktail option.
Ingredients
3 cups unfiltered apple cider
1 cup pomegranate juice (or cranberry juice)
1 cup dark rum or bourbon
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey, to taste
2 cinnamon sticks
4 whole cloves
1 star anise (optional)
Ice, for serving
Cinnamon sugar, for rimming (optional)
1 apple, thinly sliced, for garnish
1/2 cup blackberries or dark cherries, for garnish
Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
Instructions
1. Optional rim: Swipe glass rims with lemon and dip in cinnamon sugar; set aside.
2. Combine cider, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, maple, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise in a saucepan.
3. Warm over medium-low heat for 10 minutes to infuse (do not boil); remove from heat and cool slightly.
4. Stir in rum or bourbon, then strain to remove spices.
5. Serve warm in mugs or chill and pour over ice; garnish with apple slices, berries, and rosemary.
6. Mocktail option: Omit alcohol and top each glass with ginger beer or sparkling water.
7. For spooky flair, carefully add a small piece of food-safe dry ice to a punch bowl just before serving; do not ingest.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes