Homemade Hot Apple Cider
Homemade Hot Apple Cider using fresh and sweet seasonal apples, are juiced and then simmered with cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange wedges and nutmeg for the ultimate warm, fall drink.

All we need is a blazing fire, a cozy couch, slippers and a blanket. Am I right? Who wouldn’t want to cosy-up with this naturally sweet, festive, easy apple cider drink?
I made this cider as an accompaniment to a dessert I served when we had some family members over for dinner, the dessert you can see in the 1st picture at the top of the post it is the British classic, sticky toffee pudding.
If hot drinks are not your thing, I have a Sparkling Apple Punch that is also just as delicious (pictured below).

Grown-up version: My husband chose to make his cider ‘grown-up’ by adding a touch of whiskey. This is a delicious option and a very good one for up-coming holiday parties. You can also add cognac like my Cognac Apple Cider recipe.
For juicing, I used delicious and sweet honey crisp apples. I think are the best apples of the season and it is because of their sweetness that there is no need for added sugar because the cooking concentrates the flavor.

You could also call this mulled apple cider because it’s cooked in the same way as mulled wine. Simmered in a pan with aromatics.
It took about 8 pounds of apples for this recipe and juicing does take time, but it really is worth it. You can, of course use a good quality store-bought apple cider, that are available in the produce department at this time of the year.

How to make hot apple cider: Add the apple juice to a saucepan with cinnamon, oranges, nutmeg and cloves. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 1 hour.
Make it in the crockpot/slow cooker: This apple cider can also be made in the slow cooker. This is a great option if you’re entertaining and want to have a big batch kept warm for people coming in out of the cold.
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Homemade Hot Apple Cider

Homemade hot apple cider using fresh and sweet honey crisp apples, juiced then simmered with cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange wedges and nutmeg.
Ingredients
- 8 pounds (3.6 kg) apples or 8 cups (4 pints) good apple juice * see note
- 5 sticks fresh cinnamon, plus extra for garnish
- 2 whole oranges, cut into slices or wedges
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 10 whole cloves
- Apple wedges for garnish
- Orange wedges for garnish
Instructions
- If you are using fresh apple, juice the apples.
- Add the apple juice to a saucepan with cinnamon, oranges, nutmeg and cloves. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 1 hour.
- Taste the cider. If it is too sweet add water, 1/4 cup at a time.
- Serve warm with a slice of apple, orange and a cinnamon stick (you can add a touch of whiskey to make it grown-up).
Notes
* If you don't have a juicer, you can use a really good store bought fresh apple cider.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Amount Per Serving Calories 257Sodium 5mgCarbohydrates 68gProtein 1g
19 Comments on “Homemade Hot Apple Cider”
I love these fall flavors, so warm and spicy! Gorgeous photos too. Here’s wishing I could booze mine up just like your husband… perfect for those frosty evenings! ๐
Oh my goodness… that looks amazing! I’ve never made homemade apple cider before and now I’m thinking I totally have to pick up some apples and try it ๐
since there is no alcohol it’s perfect for kids too!! yum!
I have a few bags of apples. I need to make this. WOW. love your photos!
Just in time for fall! This recipe is perfect for my Halloween party!
That looks delicious, I could go for a cup right now!!
ooh, the perfect fall drink. it looks so great! thanks for sharing.
Aside from egg nog this should be the consummate fall drink!
That cider looks so delicious. I like the added touch of whole cinnamon.
Can’t wait to give this delicious looking drink a try!
Ooooh, this makes a lovely drink!
I’m not going to be able to stop thinking about your cider! It looks amazing and I love the color!
Thank you Serena.
Wow! Color me impressed! You made your own cider! This looks yummy! And I like the little addition of whiskey to it! Thanks for sharing your recipe! Pinning!
Thank you Debi, I love how easy it is to make.
I love apple cider, but never made it at home! Looks great, the perfect fall drink!
Thank you Mira ๐
I can definitely see myself creating this hot apple cider many times during the upcoming Christmas season.. great recipe!
I’ve never made apple cider, it looks fantastic! Pinning ๐