This easy hot apple cider recipe makes a perfectly spiced, healthy, and easy hot apple cider the whole family can enjoy.
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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 coming 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 spiced apple 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.
Tip: You can also make this in a slow cooker.
I make my hot spiced apple cider by following three 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.
To serve, you'll want to strain the cider from the added ingredients, and serve hot.

What's In Apple Cider?
Wondering what hot apple cider is made of? Typically, an apple cider recipe requires…
- apples
- water
- some mulling spices, like allspice berries and star anise
- 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 than other spiced ciders, 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 white 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 bad 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.
Watch Me Make Hot Apple Cider
Easy Homemade Hot Apple Cider

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 but still serve hot, and enjoy!
How Long Does Hot 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.

More Hot Winter Drinks
I like this hot apple cider recipe during Winter a lot, but there are other winter drink recipes I also like to make when the weather is cold.

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.
Kristin
MY hubby loves hot apple cider but the stuff we buy even if it's not from concentrate has so much sugar so he is ending his evening with tons of sugar. Can I make a large quantity of this and then pop it in the fridge for him to warm up nightly?
Lacey Baier
Yes, that would work for sure!
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/
Lacey Baier
Thanks for sharing the original recipe with everyone - I know there are some who prefer the original version, even if it has brown sugar 🙂
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!
Lacey Baier
Yes, you can use ground cinnamon, though it will be stronger than thee subtle cinnamon from the sticks so I recommend not using a whole lot.
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.
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.
Lacey Baier
Yay, you're very welcome!