Description
A warm, spicy, and boozy fall cocktail made with dark lager, apple cider, and aromatic spices. This budget-friendly drink is easy to make at home and captures the cozy essence of autumn.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (355ml) Dark Lager or Oktoberfest Beer
- 1 cup (240ml) Apple Cider
- 1.5 oz (45ml) Dark Rum or Bourbon
- 1 whole Cinnamon Stick
- 1 pinch Nutmeg
- 2–3 whole Cloves
- 1–2 teaspoons Brown Sugar
- Orange Peel (optional garnish)
- Whipped Cream (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan. Add the cinnamon stick, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Place the pan over medium-low heat and warm the cider slowly. Watch for small bubbles forming around the edges but do not let it come to a full boil.
- Let the cider simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes so the spices can infuse.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the brown sugar until completely dissolved.
- Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness or spice levels if desired.
- Stir in the dark rum or bourbon.
- Slowly pour the cold dark lager or Oktoberfest beer into the spiced cider mixture, pouring down the side of the mug to preserve carbonation.
- Aim for a 50/50 mix of cider and beer, adjusting to taste.
- Garnish with a twist of orange peel if desired.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Do not boil the cider as it can make the flavor flat. Use whole spices instead of ground for better texture. Chill the beer before adding to preserve carbonation. This drink is best enjoyed fresh as carbonation dies out quickly. For parties, make a batch of the spiced cider base ahead of time and top with cold beer when serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 15
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Protein: 1
Keywords: fall drink, apple cider cocktail, Oktoberfest beer, spiced cider, warm cocktail, easy recipes, budget-friendly drinks, autumn recipes