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Classic Hot Apple Cider Recipe

This classic hot apple cider is warm, cozy, and full of comforting fall flavors. Made with fresh apple cider, cinnamon, cloves, oranges, and a few simple spices, it's the perfect drink for chilly afternoons, holiday gatherings, or relaxing at home. Easy to prepare on the stovetop or in the slow cooker, this homemade recipe fills your kitchen with the wonderful aroma of autumn.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cups apple cider
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 apple, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 4 whole star anise (optional, but beautiful and flavorful)
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup (optional, depending on sweetness of cider)
For serving (optional)
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Thin apple slices
  • Orange slices
  • Whipped cream (for a fun twist)
  • Caramel drizzle

Method
 

  1. Pour the apple cider into a large pot or Dutch oven.
  2. Add the cinnamon sticks, orange slices, apple slices, cloves, star anise, and allspice berries.
  3. Bring the cider just to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Do not let it boil.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30–45 minutes so the spices have time to infuse the cider.
  5. Taste and stir in brown sugar or maple syrup if you'd like it a little sweeter.
  6. Strain out the spices and fruit before serving.
  7. Ladle into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick, fresh apple slice, or orange slice.

Notes

Tips
  • Fresh local apple cider gives the richest flavor.
  • Let it simmer longer (up to an hour) for an even deeper spice flavor.
  • Keep it warm in a slow cooker on the "Warm" setting for parties.
  • Tie the whole spices in cheesecloth for easy removal.
  • Add fresh cranberries while simmering for a festive holiday twist.
Variations
Caramel Apple Cider
Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of caramel sauce before serving.
Vanilla Apple Cider
Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract after removing the cider from the heat.
Cranberry Apple Cider
Replace 2 cups of the apple cider with cranberry juice for a tart, festive flavor.
Slow Cooker Version
Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on Low for 3–4 hours or High for 1½–2 hours. Switch to Warm for serving.
Storage
Store leftover cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.