Warm up the cold winter nights with this easy hot apple cider recipe that makes a perfectly spiced, healthy, and easy hot apple cider the whole family can enjoy.
Without fail, I find I am so sad when the summer comes to an end because I think it is my favorite time of year.
But, as the leaves begin to change, the weather starts to cool and I hear those familiar holiday tunes, I realize just how much I love the winter holiday season. I love the food, the time with family and the general hustle and bustle of life as it gets closer and closer to Christmas. I mean… who doesn’t get the urge to tap their feet to Jingle Bells, right?
One way I love to celebrate the holiday season is to break out my easy hot apple cider recipe and share it with my family. I just love the smell of the cinnamon, oranges, cloves, and apples simmering away on the stove. It’s truly better than any candle you could buy.
I also enjoy the excited look on Dustin’s face as I hand him a steaming mug of homemade apple cider. Though, I always have to tell him it’s too hot to drink right away cuz we both know he’s gonna go for it if I don’t tell him.
Anyways, I hope you try out this easy apple cider recipe. It’s quick and delicious and will make your house smell like Christmas. Winner!
HOW TO MAKE HOT APPLE CIDER
This hot cider is really simple to make and tastes so yummy. It will warm your soul. Well, maybe that’s going a little far, but it will definitely hit the spot.
Before we discuss how to make apple cider, let’s take a moment to talk about what is apple cider because more often than not people confuse apple cider with cider and sometimes even apple cider vinegar.
- Apple cider vinegar is vinegar made of fermented apple juice.
- Apple cider is a non-alcoholic beverage made from apples.
- Hot apple cider is a hot drink typically made with apple juice.
I like to make hot apple cider by following these simple steps:
- combine spices with apple juice and cook over medium heat until the juice is aromatic;
- add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil;
- once the apple juice is boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
WHAT’S IN APPLE CIDER?
Wondering what hot apple cider is made of? Typically, an apple cider recipe requires…
- apples;
- water
- some spices
- and sometimes alcohol.
It also often contains a lot of added sweeteners, like brown sugar or white sugar.
My apple cider recipe is a tad different and it requires a few different ingredients. I just found this to be the best apple cider recipe I ever tried. I like my hot apple cider sweet, flavorful, and healthy, too. And this spiced cider recipe gives me exactly that. <--- LOVE
Plus this homemade apple cider recipe is quicker and easier than other hot apple cider recipes. So, what’s in my apple cider?
- unsweetened apple juice;
- cloves;
- cinnamon sticks;
- black peppercorns;
- nutmeg;
- orange zest.
You can add pure maple syrup (instead of sugar!) if you want the apple cider to be sweeter, but I find it plenty sweet with just the apple juice that is naturally sweetened.
IS APPLE CIDER GOOD FOR YOU?
I have good news. If you make it refined-sugar free, apple cider is not a nag choice for your health over the holidays. It's not something to go drink constantly, considering it is higher in sugars from the apple juice, but it's much healthier for you than regular hot apple cider recipes.
Amazeballs.
Now let’s discuss the apple cider benefits to celebrate the good news.
Pssst...did you know apple cider:
- lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases;
- lowers the risk of developing asthma;
- lowers the risk of developing diabetes;
- lowers the risk of some forms of cancer.
Not to mention apples and apple cider are a great source of antioxidants.
HOW TO SERVE HOT APPLE CIDER
After you remove the hot apple cider from the heat…
- strain it through a fine-meshed sieve;
- transfer to big cups or big mugs;
- garnish with orange slices, apple slices or cinnamon sticks for stirring;
- allow to cool slightly and enjoy!
HOW LONG DOES APPLE CIDER LAST?
To extend the shelf life of apple cider, strain it through a fine-meshed sieve and store it…
- in the fridge for 7-10 days;
- or in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 12 months.
To store the apple cider in the freezer, transfer it into an airtight container. Make sure you leave ½ inch space at the top as apple cider expands when frozen.
Easy Homemade Hot Apple Cider
3 MORE WINTER DRINK RECIPES
I like this hot apple cider recipe during Winter but there are other winter drink recipes I like to make when the weather is cold. Winter drink recipes like my eggnog recipe or my hot chocolate mix recipes or my pumpkin spice latte. All these winter drinks will give you all the warm and cozy feelings. And they are yummy and healthy.
LIGHT & HEALTHY NON-ALCOHOLIC EGGNOG (NON-DAIRY!)
My Light & Healthy Non-Alcoholic Eggnog (Non-Dairy!) is just the perfect Winter drink. And it’s guilt-free. Plus non-alcoholic which means your kiddos can enjoy it too.
The eggnog recipe makes a creamy, thick, smooth, and perfectly spiced eggnog. Get the recipe.
HOW TO MAKE HOT CHOCOLATE MIX (THAT YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE!)
Learn How To Make Hot Chocolate Mix (That Your Kids Will Love!) and never run out of hot chocolate mix. My chocolate mix is paleo, gluten-free, clean eating, and can be easily made vegan.
It’s very easy to prep this homemade hot chocolate mix. All you need is cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla, sea salt, coconut sugar, and some milk. Get the recipe.
HOMEMADE HEALTHY PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE RECIPE
Last but by no means least - Homemade Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe. Pumpkin spice latte is not just for Fall, peeps. It’s a year-round affair if you learn how to make it at home.
This DIY pumpkin spice latte is a delicious, healthy, and cheap way to enjoy your favorite coffee drink. Plus you can change up the ingredients and make this latte vegan, iced or decaf. Get the recipe.
Hot Apple Cider
Equipment
*This post may contain affiliate links for products I use often and highly recommend.
Ingredients
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- ½ teaspoon whole cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 cups unsweetened apple juice
- ½ tbsp. orange zest
- pure maple syrup, optional for added sweetness
Instructions
- Combine spices in a sauce pan and cook over medium-high heat until aromatic, about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the nutmeg, and stir to combine. The, add in the apple juice and orange zest. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, depending on how strong you like your cider.
- Pour juice through a fine-mesh sieve, into a mug. Allow to cool slightly.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This post contains affiliate links for products I use often and highly recommend.
Audrey
For those of you looking for the original recipe, I was able to track it down! 🙌🙌🙌 Screenshot it and print it! https://web.archive.org/web/20160406182239/http://www.asweetpeachef.com/drinks/easy-hot-apple-cider-recipe/
Debbie
I would like to make hot apple cider in the crockpot for thanksgiving. Can I use cinnamon instead of cinnamon sticks? Cinnamon sticks are hard to find at by grocery store, Can I make it on stovetop first, strain and keep warm in crockpot? Thanks!
Jasmine
The recipe has changed since 2018, can you please repost the original one? That "way back" website did not find anything. The original one was great.
Audrey
I was able to track it down on that Wayback Machine website:
https://web.archive.org/web/20160406182239/http://www.asweetpeachef.com/drinks/easy-hot-apple-cider-recipe/
Jasmine
Thank you SO MUCH, Audrey!!!
Audrey
You’re so welcome! I loved that original recipe too and was disappointed when I clicked on my bookmark and it was gone. I’m glad she posted that wayback machine website so I could find it.
Audrey
I was able to find the original on that wayback website:
https://web.archive.org/web/20160406182239/http://www.asweetpeachef.com/drinks/easy-hot-apple-cider-recipe/
Jessica McManus
So yummy and easy! I live in the UK and you can't just buy apple cider in the stores during autumn. I wanted a quick and easy way to enjoy this seasonal drink and this sure delivered. How delicious!! Thank you.
Karya
How best do you store this? I have just made some and I'd like to give some of the apple cider to the person who grew the apples and kindly gave me them.
Slava
Hi there! I made it recently and it turns very delicious! I love it! Used apple cider for my Ginger-Apple Tea-https://myediblefood.com/slow-cooker-ginger-apple-tea-recipe/
Victoria
Would you please publish the original recipe? This one is not as good, and I do not have a copy of the original anymore.
Ulrike
Did you ever get a copy? I came back to find it gone and also would prefer the original.
Lacey Baier
Sorry, I no longer have the original, but you can always use the Wayback Machine (https://archive.org/web/) to find old, no-longer published recipes and pages.
Viridiana Leonard
Can you send me the recipie if you find it?
Lacey Baier
Sorry, I no longer have the original, but you can always use the Wayback Machine (https://archive.org/web/) to find old, no-longer published recipes and pages.
Rachel
I made this recipe back in November and loved it! I recently came back to it again and saw that it had changed. Is there any way you could post the previous recipe too?
Lacey Baier
Sorry, I no longer have the original, but you can always use the Wayback Machine (https://archive.org/web/) to find old, no-longer published recipes and pages.
Stephanie Russell
I cut your recipe in half since I’m by myself, and it came out delicious. Thank you. I will tell my friends and family about asweetpeachef.com
Lacey Baier
Yay, thanks for spreading the ASPC love <3
Cheryl Tyler
Just made this during the Thanksgiving break with my college girl. Delicious and easy!! We will be making this for the whole family Thanksgiving and Christmas!!
We used Fiji apples and HoneyCrisp fresh pressed apple juice. So so yummy!!
Lacey Baier
LOVE that you used pressed juice - awesome!
Danielle
Which types of apples work best for ciders?
Lacey Baier
Great question! I prefer honey crisp and red apples, but any apples will work great!
Ella
Made this last night for a crowd of about 30 - quadrupled the recipe. I skipped the sugar and it was sweet enough. Perfect winter drink for a crowd.
Lacey Baier
Awesome, so glad it worked well for a large party!
Rose
I absolutely LOVE this recipe! I didn't have any oranges, sadly, so I ended up just putting two drops of orange extract (I was making a smaller version for a snack) I took the cloves out of the apples afterwords and ate them, because who can waste delicious food? Not me! <3 Ayways, I also added half a peeled apple, cubed, and now the apple cubes have cinnamon, clove, and allspice essence, and are floating in my drink! Thank you so much! Now, I gotta go drink it!!
Lacey Baier
Oooh I love the idea of adding orange extract if no oranges - great idea 🙂
Jen
Hello! Would it be possible to make this in a crock pot instead?
Lacey Baier
YES! You can easily make this in a crock pot, too! 🙂
Beth
My family is diabetic. Can I use less of the brown sugar? What would be a good replacement without adding artificial sweetener.
Amanda
You do not have to use the brown sugar the apples and apple juice have plenty of natural sugar
Lacey Baier
Agreed! I've updated this recipe to no longer include brown sugar because I completely agree! 🙂
Beth
My family is diabetic. Can I use less of the brown sugar? What would be a good replacement.
Bonnie
Hi,
Great receipe, looks simple as I don't cook as much but love apple cider. Hope this is not a silly question, can we use it without the clovers? Whatdoes clovers bring to the taste?
Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to try it!!
Mark-Alan Schlumpf
Bonnie, you can make it however you like. You can purchase apple cider and heat it with just the cinnamon sticks if you like. If you check around the internet you will see many different ways to make this wonderful winter drink.
Cheers, and Happy New Year!
Dustin
love fresh apple cider
Patty
This sounds so good as do the comments. ;). I am making cider in jugs for Christmas baskets this year. I will also include a bottle of apple jack brandy as someone posted. Can this recipe be canned/bottled? In the hot bath method? Any suggestions?
Dalia
Thank you for the recipe! I made it several times last year for friends and family and they loved it. I am definitely making it again this year, now that it is the second day of fall.
June Burns
That sounds great! Love how easy it is too 🙂
Lacey Baier
Thanks, June! Yea, I LOVE easy, delicious recipes 🙂
leah
this looks really good and the comments all suggest that it comes out good so i'm going to try it!
i am making for a crowd of 20 people. should i double all the ingredients?
thanks!!
Lacey Baier
Yes, I would at least double the ingredients if making for so many. Enjoy!
Mary
If I have some left over, can it be refrigerated and reheated?
Lacey Baier
Yes, we do that ALL the time. Just be sure to remove the cooked orange, cinnamon sticks, and apple before you store it.
Roberta Kovacs
Hi!
This looks great. Can you please tell me how many litres you can make out of this (doing this particular recipe
Thanks a lot! :))
Roberta
Lacey Baier
It makes approximately 2 liters, Roberta 🙂
Nati
Hello! I tired out your recipe at a little get together with some friends and it was a huge hit! I'm going to use it at my family's big Christmas eve party, hopefully it will go over well there too!
Lacey Baier
YAY! Love hearing that, Nati 🙂
Linda
Just made this for our Holiday Party - we loved it! I added a couple of lemon slices and also a peeled piece of ginger. It looks so pretty simmering on the stove so I left the fruit in longer too.
Lacey Baier
Oooh, I like your additions. Thanks for sharing!
Cameo
This looks great! Are the oranges and lemons super required? I would love to not go to the store for the third time..! 🙂
lacey - a sweet pea chef
While you can definitely make the cider without the oranges, they do add a really nice flavor an depth to the drink. If it were me, I would want them...but you're welcome to try without them and see! It should still be tasty. 🙂
Edwin
My wife and I are having an 'Autumn Gathering' at our house this evening and greatly looking forward to using your recipe! Yours by far, looks like the best I could find – Thanks for posting! Also, Kelli (above) had a fabulous suggestion with the Apple Brandy; we'll have that on standby!
Lacey Baier
I hope you enjoyed this recipe for your gathering, Edwin!
Jessica
I made this today with my children for our trip to the local farm and pumpkin patch! The kids LOVE the cider! It will become our damn tradition every year!
Lacey Baier
YES! I'm honored to be part of your family tradition with your kiddos 🙂
becki
Hi,
This looks very delicious and simple, I was just wondering how much it is likely to make? I really only want to do a small batch to test it out as my husband is very picky!
Thanks 🙂
lacey - a sweet pea chef
It makes a good 4-6 servings. You can try cutting the recipe in half to see how it goes. Good luck!
becki
Thank you! I made it last night - it was delicious and mr picky loved it! I added extra apples so I could eat them as poached apples afterwards - it worked out perfectly 🙂
Lacey Baier
Awesome!
Kelli
Just did this cider for a party and it was the hit! Only change I made was I added a couple slices of lemon. After taking out the apple/orange/etc, I left it on the stove on low during the party and although it thickened up a tad by the very end, it stayed hot and was great tasting. People added AppleJack Brandy if they wanted a kick. I will use this recipe every year now.
lacey - a sweet pea chef
Hooray! I love this at a party and I'm happy to hear yours went well 🙂
Y
Congrats on the bun in the oven 🙂 The apple cider looks fab. We were recently in NYC and my bf fell in love with hot apple cider at the markets we frequented. Must make it for him when Winter comes round for us!
lacey - a sweet pea chef
Thank you, Y! I hope you guys enjoy this recipe. Take care!
Jackie
I will be trying this out...as I love apple cider.
lacey - a sweet pea chef
Yay, Jackie! I hope you like it! Happy new years!
Megan
That snowman mug is too cute! The cider sounds delicious.
lacey - a sweet pea chef
Hey Megan! I know -- isn't it the cutest little snowman mug? When I saw them at the store, I knew they would be perfect for my hot apple cider 🙂