hot spiced cider recipe

hot spiced cider recipe

The Best hot spiced cider recipe

Hot spiced cider is a classic wintertime drink that has been a staple in our household for years. I first discovered it when I was a kid, and my mom would make it for us on chilly afternoons. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors is just perfect for the season, and it’s a great way to warm up on a cold day.

Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it my own, and now it’s a family favorite that we enjoy all winter long. Whether we’re watching movies, playing games, or just hanging out, hot spiced cider is always a welcome addition to our gatherings. It’s also a great way to get some extra nutrition into our diets – with all the apples and spices, it’s like a health drink in disguise!

My kids love helping me make it, too – they love mashing up the apples and cinnamon sticks with their hands. It’s such a fun and interactive process that they feel invested in the final product. And let me tell you, it’s always a hit with them (and me!)

when we sit down to enjoy our warm cups together. The smell of cinnamon and apples baking in the pot is just heavenly, too – it’s like walking into a cozy bakery on a cold day. I’ve even started making it for my husband when he comes home from work – he loves the soothing effects of sipping on hot cider while he unwinds.

It’s really become an integral part of our winter traditions.

Hot Spiced Cider Recipe

Hot Spiced Cider Recipe

4.5 from 1898 votes

A warm and comforting beverage perfect for chilly days, this Hot Spiced Cider is infused with aromatic spices and sweetened to perfection. Serve it at parties or gatherings for a delightful crowd-pleaser.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Spices

1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp whole cloves
1 tsp whole allspice
1 tsp ground nutmeg

For the Cider

4 cups apple cider
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, combine apple cider, brown sugar, and honey.
2Stir until sugar and honey are fully dissolved.
3Add orange and lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg.
4Place pot over medium heat.
5Bring the mixture to a low simmer.
6Reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes.
7The spices will release their aromas, and the cider will develop a rich, warm flavor.
8You should see small bubbles forming around the edges of the pot and the spices will be fragrant.
9While the cider is simmering, prepare a cheesecloth by placing it in a bowl and adding the spices to the cheesecloth.
10Tie the cheesecloth with a string to create a spice bundle.
11After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat and add the spice bundle to the pot.
12Let it steep for an additional 5 minutes.
13This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.
14Remove the spice bundle and discard it.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Cheesecloth
String

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 45mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 28g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

Tips: You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar or honey. For a stronger spice flavor, let the spices steep longer.

Watch Video Of How Hot Spiced Cider Recipe Works

I love serving hot spiced cider at family gatherings because it’s such an easy way to bring everyone together over something delicious and warm. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love sipping on something tasty while they’re surrounded by loved ones?

This recipe makes about 2 quarts of hot spiced cider, so feel free to adjust the ingredient quantities as needed depending on how many people you’re serving. One thing that’s always been helpful for us is having plenty of storage containers on hand so we can keep leftover cider fresh for later use.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Spiced Cider

Q: What type of apples are best for hot spiced cider?

A: I prefer to use a mix of sweet and tart apples for this recipe – something like Granny Smith and Gala work well together. You can also use other varieties like Fuji or Braeburn if you prefer them.

Q: Can I use bottled apple cider instead of fresh apples?

A: Yes, you can definitely use bottled apple cider as a substitute if you don’t have time to chop up fresh apples. Just be aware that it might change the flavor slightly – bottled cider can be more sweet and less tangy than fresh apples.

Q: How long does hot spiced cider keep in the fridge?

A: If you store your hot spiced cider in an airtight container in the fridge, it should keep for at least 3 days without losing its flavor or texture. However, if you want to keep it longer than that, you can also freeze it for up to 6 months – just thaw and reheat as needed!

Q: Can I make hot spiced cider without using cinnamon sticks?

A: While cinnamon sticks do add an extra layer of flavor to this recipe, you can omit them if you don’t have any on hand or prefer not to use them. Just add more ground cinnamon instead to taste.

Q: Is hot spiced cider suitable for kids?

A: Yes, hot spiced cider is completely kid-friendly – just be sure to adjust the amount of spices according to their taste preferences.

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