Poisoned Apple Cider

This Poisoned Apple Cider is the ultimate spooky sip for Halloween parties, haunted gatherings, or even a cozy night by the fire. With a deep, eerie black-purple hue and warm spiced apple flavor, it looks mysterious but tastes like comforting fall cider.

Best of all? It’s super easy to make. You can serve it as a mocktail for kids or spike it with rum, whiskey, or brandy for adults. Serve in glass mugs with a cinnamon stick or black sugar rim for the perfect chilling effect.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Spooky but Safe: Dark, dramatic color that looks haunted but tastes sweet.
• Customizable: Enjoy as a mocktail or cocktail.
• Party-Ready: Can be made in a big batch and kept warm in a slow cooker.
• Fall Comfort: Cozy blend of apple, cinnamon, and warm spices.

Ingredients

• 1/2 gallon apple cider (about 8 cups)
• 1/4 cup pomegranate juice (for depth & tartness)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 star anise (optional, for a licorice note)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
• Black food coloring (gel or liquid – to desired shade)
• Optional (adult version): 1 cup dark rum, whiskey, or brandy

Instructions

1. Heat the Cider – In a large pot, add apple cider, pomegranate juice, and lemon juice.
2. Add Spices – Stir in cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and brown sugar.
3. Simmer – Heat over medium until steaming, about 15–20 minutes. Do not boil.
4. Color It – Stir in a few drops of black food coloring until you reach a deep, spooky hue.
5. Serve – Strain out spices, then ladle into mugs.
6. Optional Spike – Add a splash of rum, whiskey, or brandy for an adult-friendly twist.
7. Garnish – Serve with a cinnamon stick or black sugar rimmed glass for effect.

Pro Tips

• Use gel food coloring for a stronger, more opaque black.
• To make ahead, keep warm in a slow cooker on low heat.
• Garnish with apple slices dipped in lemon juice to prevent browning.
• For an extra spooky touch, serve with dry ice (careful handling required) to create a fog effect.

Variations

• Bloody Apple Cider: Swap pomegranate juice for cranberry juice for a red hue.
• Poisoned Punch: Chill and serve over ice instead of warm.
• Kid-Friendly: Leave out alcohol and serve in fun Halloween cups.

Storage

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm on stove or slow cooker before serving.

Poisoned Apple Cider

A spooky black apple cider perfect for Halloween parties. Warm, spiced, and customizable as a mocktail or cocktail.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 6 cups

Course: Drink

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 cups apple cider
• 0.25 cup pomegranate juice
• 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 star anise optional
• 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• black food coloring to desired shade
• 1 cup dark rum or whiskey optional for adult version

Equipment

• Large pot
• Strainer
• Mugs or glass cups
• Cinnamon sticks for garnish

Method

 

1. In a pot, combine apple cider, pomegranate juice, and lemon juice.
2. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and brown sugar.
3. Simmer for 15–20 minutes over medium heat, without boiling.
4. Stir in black food coloring until desired color is reached.
5. Strain spices and ladle cider into mugs.
6. Add optional rum or whiskey if desired.
7. Garnish with cinnamon sticks or a black sugar rim.

Notes

Add dry ice for a smoky Halloween effect (handle carefully). Keep warm in a slow cooker for serving at parties.