Our hot apple cider is the perfect treat for chilly weather. It combines the traditional flavor of apple cider with various aromatic spices like cinnamon, allspice, cloves, star anise, and a bit of nutmeg, bringing a warm and spicy character to the drink.
We also add some orange peel for a refreshing citrus twist. While this apple cider is non-alcoholic and delicious on its own, those looking for a little extra can add a splash of bourbon to boost the flavor.
The bourbon's mellow, woody notes blend seamlessly with the warm spices. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or just want to cozy up by the fire, our homemade hot apple cider is the perfect choice for any occasion. 
How to Make Hot Apple Cider
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
- Prepare the Orange Peel.
- Combine Ingredients.
- Heat the Mixture.
- Strain the Cider.
- Serve.
Camila's Tips
If you don’t have allspice berries or star anise, you can substitute them with ground versions of these spices or omit them. The cider will still be flavorful with the cinnamon, cloves, and orange. If bourbon isn't your preference, you can also try it with a different type of whiskey or rum for a different flavor profile.
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📖 Recipe
Easy Hot Apple Cider
Tools
- Vegetable Peeler or Knife
- Sieve or Strainer
- Heatproof Pitcher or Pot
- Mugs or Heatproof Glasses
- Ladle or Pouring Spout
Ingredients
- 8 cups good-quality store-bought apple cider. Look for options without added sugars or artificial additives for the best flavor.
- 4 whole allspice
- 3 (2 to 3-inch) cinnamon stick, , plus for garnishing
- 3 whole dried cloves
- 1 star anise
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Peel from 1 orange , plus 1 orange for garnishing
- Good bourbon , optional
For Garnishing:
- 1 orange , cut in half through the stem and slice crosswise in ¼ inch thick half-rounds
- 1 crisp red apple cut in half through the stem, remove core, and slice crosswise in ¼-inch thick rounds
Instructions
- Carefully peel off a large (1 by 4-inch) outer skin of the orange using a vegetable peeler or a knife. Aim to get as much of the colored zest and as little of the white pith as possible.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider, allspice berries, cloves, nutmeg, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and the whole peeled orange skin.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmering step allows the flavors of the spices and the orange peel to meld with the cider.
- After simmering, strain the cider through a sieve into a heatproof pitcher or another pot to remove all the solid ingredients.
- Pour or ladle the hot cider into mugs or heatproof glasses. If you like, add about 2 tablespoons of bourbon to each mug, adjusting according to taste. Garnish each serving with a slice of apple and a cinnamon stick. Optionally, add a slice of orange to each mug for an added citrus note.
- Serve the cider hot.
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
