Name: Apple Cider Rum Slushies Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ gallon apple cider; 2 cups spiced rum

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 10 reviews

If you’re craving something cold, boozy, and perfect for fall or any fun gathering, you’ve got to try this Apple Cider Rum Slushies Recipe. It’s super simple but packs such a refreshing punch! I first made this last autumn for a small get-together, and honestly? Everyone kept asking for the recipe. So stick around because I’m sharing all the tips I’ve learned to get it just right at home.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity: Just two main ingredients make for an easy, fuss-free prep every time.
Perfect Balance: The spiced rum adds warmth that complements the crisp apple cider beautifully.
Freezer Bag Magic: Freezing in a sealed bag ensures an even slush with less mess and easy storage.
Customizable: You can tweak it with different booze or sweetness levels to suit your taste.

The image shows three clear glass jars filled with a light golden, icy, slushy drink. The jars have an embossed grape and leaf design. Each jar has a green and white striped paper straw sticking out from the ice. The jars sit on a wooden surface with a blurred background. Green leaves and a cinnamon stick are nearby. The focus is on the front jar, showing the icy texture in detail. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This simple Apple Cider Rum Slushies Recipe shines because each ingredient brings just the right flavor and texture. Apple cider gives the crisp, fruity base while spiced rum warms it up with notes of cinnamon and vanilla—perfect for cozy vibes or backyard parties.

Apple Cider: Choose fresh, local cider if possible for the best natural sweetness and flavor depth.
Spiced Rum: Brands vary, so pick one with rich spice notes to really complement the cider’s apple goodness.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Apple Cider Rum Slushies Recipe is how easily you can tailor it. Whether you want something a little boozier or a tad sweeter, it’s all about what suits your style and occasion. I’ve tried quite a few tweaks that I’ll happily share so you get some inspiration.

Variation: I once swapped the spiced rum for cinnamon whiskey and it gave a wonderful warm kick—perfect for chilly nights.
Less Alcohol: If you prefer a lighter cocktail, just reduce the rum, but be sure to give the slushie 10–15 minutes outside the freezer before serving so it’s easier to scoop.
Sweeter Twist: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the bag before freezing — it adds cozy sweetness without overpowering the cider.
Extra Spice: Toss in a cinnamon stick or a few cloves to the cider before combining with rum for an infused flavor upgrade.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cider Rum Slushies Recipe

Step 1: Combine with Care

First things first, grab a gallon-sized freezer bag and pour in ½ gallon of fresh apple cider, then add 2 cups of your favorite spiced rum. Sealing the bag securely is a must—I usually press out as much air as I can before zipping it shut to avoid freezer spills. To be extra safe, I always place the bag in a 13×9 baking dish just in case it leaks while freezing. Trust me, the last thing you want is sticky freezer cider drama!

Step 2: Freeze and Wait Patiently

Pop the dish with your sealed bag into the freezer and let it hang out for at least 5 hours. I usually make this in the morning if I’m planning to serve later in the day. What you want is a nicely slushy texture—not totally solid but definitely frozen enough to scoop. If it’s rock hard, don’t panic—it just needs a 10-15 minute thaw on the counter to soften up.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

When it’s time to impress your friends, snip off a corner of the bag and pour the slushy goodness into cups. If your batch is too icy, let it sit a bit or give the bag a gentle squeeze to loosen things up. I love serving this in cozy mugs or mason jars, garnished with a thin apple slice or a cinnamon stick for a little flair.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Bag Over Bowl: Always freeze the mixture in a zip-top bag nestled in a dish to catch leaks—lesson learned the sticky way!
Patience Pays Off: Let your frozen slushie soften just a bit before serving for that perfect scoopable texture.
Taste the Rum: Try different spiced rums or even apple brandy to see which one you love most—it’s fun to experiment.
Don’t Overfill: Leave some headspace in your freezer bag so your slushies have room to expand as they freeze.

How to Serve Apple Cider Rum Slushies Recipe

Three clear glass jars filled to the top with a light yellow slushy drink are shown. The jars have an embossed design of grapes and fruit on the front. Each jar has a green and white striped paper straw stuck into the drink. The jars are placed on a wooden surface with some green leaves and star anise visible around them. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m all about presentation here—sitting with a sip-worthy mug garnished with a cinnamon stick adds a cozy touch, and a thin slice of fresh apple wedged on the rim always impresses guests. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle a tiny pinch of nutmeg on top just before serving for that extra autumnal aroma.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with late-season snacks like candied pecans, sharp cheddar cheese cubes, or even spiced pumpkin muffins. When I had this at my last party, the combination of salty snacks and sweet slushies was a total crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I love serving Apple Cider Rum Slushies in frosted glasses rimmed with cinnamon sugar. For a party, I sometimes set up a slushie bar where guests can add their own garnishes like star anise, candied ginger, or even a splash of sparkling water for fizz.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extra slushie (which can happen because it’s so good), keep it sealed tightly in the freezer bag or an airtight container. When you want more, just let it thaw at room temperature for a few minutes and give it a gentle stir before scooping.

Freezing

Freezing this recipe in smaller portions works great if you want ready-to-go cocktails anytime. Just divide the cider and rum mix into smaller bags or ice cube trays, freeze until slushy, and store them handy for impromptu celebrations or chill-out evenings.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t really an option here since you’re aiming for slushiness, but letting your slushies sit out for 10-15 minutes to soften before serving is key to enjoying a perfectly scoopable texture without losing the chilly refreshment.

FAQs

Can I make Apple Cider Rum Slushies Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! Just skip the rum and freeze pure apple cider. It won’t be boozy, but you’ll get a deliciously refreshing apple slush. You could also add a little cinnamon or maple syrup to keep the flavors exciting.
Why does my Apple Cider Rum Slushies freeze solid?

If you reduce the alcohol content too much, the cider’s natural sugars and water can freeze harder. Stick to the recommended rum amounts or give it a brief thaw before serving to keep it scoopable.
Can I use other types of rum in the recipe?

Definitely! While spiced rum adds extra warmth and flavor, dark or golden rums also work well. For a more citrusy twist, a flavored rum like orange or mango could be fun to experiment with.
How long do Apple Cider Rum Slushies last in the freezer?

For best flavor and texture, enjoy within 1-2 weeks. The cider might begin to lose some brightness and the texture could become icy after longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Rum Slushies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those rare, effortless crowd-pleasers that makes any day feel like a celebration. Whether it’s a brisk fall afternoon or a casual weekend hangout, whipping up these boozy, crisp slushies is my go-to move. Give it a try—you’ll love having this fun, refreshing drink in your recipe arsenal as much as I do!