Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy this cider is to make, yet it tastes like something truly special. It’s naturally sweet, perfectly spiced, and endlessly customizable. The slow simmer brings out the best of each ingredient, and the aroma alone is enough to put me in a better mood. Plus, it’s great for gatherings—there’s no better way to welcome guests than with a warm drink straight off the stove.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 1 gallon fresh apple cider

  • 4 cinnamon sticks

  • 10 whole cloves

  • 5 whole allspice berries

  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1 orange, sliced (with peel)

  • ¼ cup brown sugar (optional, to taste)

Directions

  1. In a large pot, I combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and orange slices.

  2. I heat the mixture over medium until it starts to steam—just before it reaches a boil.

  3. I reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to help the spices infuse.

  4. If I want it a bit sweeter, I stir in brown sugar and let it dissolve completely.

  5. Once the flavor is just right, I strain out the spices and orange slices using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.

  6. I ladle the warm cider into mugs and serve immediately. It’s even better with a cinnamon stick garnish or a slice of fresh orange.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16 servings (based on an 8 oz mug).

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes

  • Cook Time: 30–40 minutes

  • Total Time: 35–45 minutes

Variations

  • Boozy version: I add a splash of bourbon, dark rum, or spiced whiskey just before serving for an adult twist.

  • Apple-orange combo: I add a splash of orange juice or a few extra orange slices for more citrus brightness.

  • Spiced tea blend: Sometimes I steep a couple of black tea bags in the cider for a deeper, more tannic note.

  • Cran-apple version: I add 1–2 cups of cranberry juice for a tangy holiday twist.

  • Herbal notes: A sprig of rosemary or a few fresh ginger slices bring an extra layer of warmth.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, I pour the cider into a saucepan and warm it gently over low heat—never boiling, just enough to bring back the aroma and warmth. It also reheats beautifully in a slow cooker for parties or gatherings.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?

Yes, I’ve used apple juice in a pinch, but I prefer fresh cider for a fuller, richer apple flavor. If using juice, I cut back slightly on the brown sugar since juice tends to be sweeter.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. I just toss everything into the slow cooker, set it on low, and let it simmer for 2–3 hours. It keeps warm throughout the day for guests to enjoy.

How do I prevent the spices from overpowering the cider?

I stick to the simmering time and avoid boiling. If I want a milder spice blend, I reduce the cloves and nutmeg slightly or remove the spices after 20–25 minutes.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. I make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight, and it tastes even better when reheated.

What can I serve with spiced cider?

I love pairing it with fall desserts like apple crisp, pumpkin bread, or cinnamon donuts. It’s also great alongside a charcuterie board for casual gatherings.

Conclusion

This Warm Spiced Apple Cider is everything I want in a fall beverage—easy, flavorful, and comforting from the first sip to the last. Whether I’m hosting friends or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, this recipe delivers the cozy essence of the season. It’s more than just a drink—it’s a mood, a memory, and a fall tradition I’ll always come back to.

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Warm Spiced Apple Cider

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  • Author: Mia
  • Total Time: 35–45 minutes
  • Yield: ~12 servings (1 gallon)
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

A classic fall drink made with apple cider, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Perfect for chilly evenings, gatherings, or sipping by the fire.

Ingredients

1 gallon fresh apple cider

4 cinnamon sticks

10 whole cloves

5 whole allspice berries

1 tsp ground nutmeg

1 orange, sliced

¼ cup brown sugar (optional, to taste)

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, add apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and sliced orange.

Heat: Warm over medium heat until the cider begins to steam.

Simmer: Reduce to low heat and let simmer 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally to infuse flavors.

Sweeten (Optional): Stir in brown sugar if desired for added sweetness.

Strain & Serve: Strain out spices and orange slices. Serve warm in mugs.

Notes

For a festive touch, garnish mugs with a cinnamon stick or an orange twist.

To make it adult-friendly, add a splash of rum, bourbon, or brandy before serving.

This recipe can be kept warm in a slow cooker for parties or holiday gatherings.

Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
  • Category: Beverages, Fall Drinks
  • Method: Stovetop, Simmer
  • Cuisine: American

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