Hot cider?
 

I'm having a party this weekend and decided on making hot cider as the communal drink. A friend's mom used to make the best when we were kids, and I have her methodology (basically, simmer apple juice with cassia buds or cinnamon sticks and a little star anise).

I was thinking of having a separate booze that people could add if they want (as I imagine most will). Should this be rum or vodka? I think Żubrówka vodka would be ideal, since the main way the Poles drink it is mixed with apple juice. What do y'all say? As for rum - spiced rum I'm assuming?

What about salted caramel vodka? I've been mixing that with my hard cider recently.

Gin. It's delicious in a warm cider drink.

Other good condiments are bitters and orange peel (peel some strips with a carrot peeler).

We like to add Rock & Rye to our hot cider. It warms the tummy. :)

or spiced rum

Better idea. Some of those flavo(u)red vodkas will really show their artificial flavo(u)rs when warmed, let alone not at ice cold temps.

Hot cider?
 

You can also make hot cider with... cider. This tastes pretty good and is common in the UK. After I moved to Canada it took me a while to realise that hot cider here is never alcoholic...

Try adding bourbon. yum.

I keep a bottle of Maker's Mark with a few cinnamon sticks, cloves and peppercorns year round for adding to hot cider. It's even better topped with whipped cream.

How about Calvados or any other apple brandy?