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Featured image depicting the dangers of Poisoned Apple Cider.

Poisoned Apple Cider Ultimate Recipe

This Poisoned Apple Cider is a wickedly delicious fall beverage perfect for Halloween or any autumn gathering. Infused with warm spices and a hint of playful danger, this recipe offers variations for both adults and kids, ensuring a hauntingly good time for everyone.
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Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 gallon apple cider
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice berries
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
  • 1 cup dark rum, bourbon, or apple brandy optional
  • 1/4 cup amaretto optional
  • Black food coloring gel is best) (optional
  • Dry ice optional
  • Gummy worms or creepy candies optional
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce optional
  • Whipped cream optional
  • Caramel apple candies optional
  • Apple slices for garnish
  • Cinnamon sticks for garnish
  • Star anise for garnish
  • Rosemary sprigs for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Mugs or heat-safe glasses
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Tongs (for dry ice)
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine apple cider, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, lemon slices, cloves, allspice berries, and nutmeg.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor. Do not let it boil.
  3. Remove the pot from the heat. Use a fine-mesh strainer to strain the cider, discarding the solids.
  4. For Spiked & Spiced (Adults Only): Stir in the rum, bourbon, or apple brandy and amaretto into the warm cider. Start with 1/2 cup of the alcohol and taste. Add more to your preference. Serve warm in mugs, garnished with apple slices and cinnamon sticks.
  5. For Kid-Friendly & Creepy: Add a few drops of black food coloring to the cider until you achieve your desired level of darkness. If using dry ice, add small pieces to the serving bowl or individual glasses just before serving. Do not allow anyone to swallow the dry ice! Use tongs to remove any remaining pieces before drinking. Garnish with gummy worms or other creepy candies.
  6. For Extra Sweet & Sinister: Mix caramel sauce into the cider. Stir until fully dissolved. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and a drizzle of extra caramel. Garnish with your favorite caramel apple candies.
  7. Serve warm in mugs or heat-safe glasses. Garnish with apple slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, or rosemary sprigs. For an extra touch, rim the glasses with sugar or cinnamon sugar.

Notes

For a tarter cider, add cranberries or raspberries while simmering. For a gingerbread flavor, add ground ginger and cloves. Maple syrup can be used as a sweetener. If the cider is too tart, add maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar. If it's too bland, simmer longer or add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. If spices are overpowering, strain thoroughly. Store leftover cider in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.