Why You’ll Love Homemade Hot Apple Cider Recipe
There are several reasons this recipe stands out:
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The aromatic spices and citrus peel create a rich, inviting fragrance that makes the whole kitchen feel like a warm hug.
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It comes together quickly—only about 15 minutes from start to finish—so you can whip it up on a whim.
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It’s versatile: serve it solo for a quiet evening, or scale up for entertaining friends or family.
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It uses minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for cooks of any level.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
6 cups apple cider
¼ cup real maple syrup
2 cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves
6 whole allspice berries
Peel from 1 orange, cut into strips
Peel from 1 lemon, cut into strips
Directions
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Gather all the ingredients.
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Pour the apple cider and maple syrup into a large stainless-steel saucepan.
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Place the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice berries together with the orange peel and lemon peel in the center of a square of washed cheesecloth. Fold up the sides and tie it with kitchen string to form a spice bundle. Drop the bundle into the cider mixture.
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Place the saucepan over moderate heat and cook until the cider is very hot but not boiling, about 5 to 10 minutes.
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Remove the cider from the heat. Discard the spice bundle.
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Ladle the cider into mugs, and if desired, add a fresh cinnamon stick to each serving for garnish.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~10 minutes
Total time: ~15 minutes
Variations
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Swap the maple syrup for honey or brown sugar for a slightly different sweetness profile.
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Add a star anise or two into the spice bundle for a subtle licorice-like note.
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For a non-alcoholic crowd, serve as is; for adults only, stir in a splash of rum or bourbon just before serving.
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Infuse the cider longer for a stronger spice flavor, or reduce the infusion time for a lighter taste.
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Instead of orange and lemon peels, you could use fresh slices of apple added at the end for a different twist.
Storage/Reheating
Leftover cider can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat (do not boil) until warm. If the flavors have mellowed, you can add another small strip of citrus peel or a fresh cinnamon stick while reheating to refresh the aroma.
FAQs
1. Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes — you can substitute apple juice if cider isn’t available, but the flavor may be slightly lighter since cider has a richer, less-filtered profile.
2. Do I have to use cheesecloth for the spice bundle?
No — cheesecloth is just a convenient way to contain the spices and peels for easy removal. You could use a large tea infuser, a mesh spice ball, or even tie the spices in a clean piece of muslin.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Pour all the ingredients into the slow cooker and keep the heat on low for 1–2 hours to infuse. Then remove the spice bundle and serve.
4. Is this recipe vegan?
Yes — as written it’s vegan, since it uses maple syrup instead of honey and no animal-based ingredients.
5. Can I double or triple the recipe for a large gathering?
Yes — scale up the ingredients proportionally. The infusion time remains about the same, but you may need a larger pot or multiple batches.
6. What if I don’t have allspice berries?
You can substitute with ½ teaspoon ground allspice. If using ground spices, skip the cheesecloth and just stir directly into the cider, then strain if desired.
7. Can I add fresh apple slices during infusion?
Yes — you can add thin apple slices along with the spice bundle. They’ll soften and add fruitiness, though they won’t alter the flavor as strongly as the other spices.
8. Will this drink stay hot if served in a thermos or slow-pour dispenser?
Yes — it will maintain warmth, but the aromatic intensity may fade over time. If possible, keep the spice bundle in until just before serving, or add a fresh cinnamon stick per cup.
9. How strong is the spice flavor?
Moderately strong. The cloves, allspice, and cinnamon are noticeable but balanced. If you prefer milder spice, reduce the number of cloves or allspice berries.
10. Can I serve this chilled instead of hot?
Yes — after infusion, chill the cider in the fridge and serve over ice. You may want to add a splash of sparkling water and garnish with a citrus slice for a refreshing twist.
Conclusion
This hot apple cider recipe is a cozy, aromatic treat that’s simple to make yet rich in flavor. Whether you’re winding down after a busy day or entertaining loved ones, it brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. With easy preparation and flexible variations, it’s a drink you’ll keep coming back to.
