Hot Apple Cider 🍎🔥🍂 Warm, Spiced, and Comforting for Chilly Days

This classic hot apple cider is infused with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus for a cozy drink that warms you from the inside out.

Perfect for sipping by the fire, serving at fall gatherings, or keeping in a slow cooker for guests to enjoy all day.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

For the cider

• 8 cups apple cider (fresh, unfiltered if possible)
• 1 medium orange, sliced
• 3–4 cinnamon sticks
• 6–8 whole cloves
• 2–3 star anise (optional, for a licorice note)
• 1–2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup (optional, to taste)

For serving (optional)

• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce drizzle
• Extra cinnamon sticks for garnish

Step 1: Combine ingredients

In a large pot or slow cooker, combine apple cider, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Add sweetener if desired.

Step 2: Heat gently

If using a pot: bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and let steep for 20–30 minutes.
If using a slow cooker: set on low for 2–3 hours to allow flavors to develop.

Step 3: Strain and serve

Remove and discard the orange slices and spices. Ladle hot cider into mugs. Garnish with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or cinnamon sticks if desired.

Flavor Variations

• Add a splash of bourbon, dark rum, or brandy for an adult version
• Swap orange slices for lemon for a brighter citrus note
• Add fresh ginger slices for a spicy kick
• Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract before serving for extra warmth

Pro Tips

• Don’t let the cider boil — it can dull the fresh apple flavor
• Use whole spices instead of ground for a cleaner, clearer drink
• Keep warm in a slow cooker for serving at parties without losing flavor
• Adjust sweetness at the end — some ciders are naturally sweeter than others

Final Thoughts

Hot Apple Cider is the definition of cozy — fragrant, warming, and easy to make for any crowd. Whether you serve it plain or spiked, it’s a seasonal favorite that never disappoints.

Heat it. Sip it. Feel the warmth of fall. 🍎🔥🍂

🍎 Apple Cider Recipes

Explore All Apple Cider Recipes → From cozy hot drinks to refreshing cocktails, these recipes highlight the crisp, sweet flavor of apple cider.

• 🥂 Apple Cider Mimosa – Bubbly brunch cocktail with a fall twist.
• 🍏 Classic Homemade Apple Cider – Fresh, spiced cider made from scratch.
• 🍺 Classic Hard Apple Cider – Naturally fermented for a crisp, boozy kick.
• 🍹 Apple Cider Cocktail – A simple, refreshing cider-based drink.
• 🍸 Apple Cider Margarita – A fall twist on the classic margarita.
• 🍷 Apple Cider Sangria – Fruity, spiced sangria perfect for parties.
• 🥂 Apple Cider Punch – Crowd-pleasing drink with a festive touch.
• 🔥 Hot Apple Cider – Warming, spiced comfort in a mug.
• 🥘 Crockpot Apple Cider – Slow-cooked cider for rich, deep flavor.
• 🍂 Mulled Apple Cider – Simmered with spices for a holiday favorite.