Homemade Hot Apple Cider

Homemade hot apple cider with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and orange slices — a comforting, kid-friendly drink for chilly days.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings

Calories 294

Author Janette

Ingredients

8 cups (4 pints) good apple juice or unfiltered/non-alcoholic apple cider see note
5 cinnamon sticks plus extra for garnish
2 whole oranges cut into slices or wedges
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
10 whole cloves
Apple slices for garnish
Orange slices for garnish

Instructions

Add the apple juice to a saucepan with cinnamon, oranges, nutmeg and cloves. Bring to a low simmer (not boil) uncovered for 30 minutes.
Taste the cider. There is no added sugar in this. I prefer just the sweetness from the apple juice, but you an add some of your favorite sweetener if you like.
Serve warm in mugs with a slice of apple, orange and a cinnamon stick.
Optional additions:Add a piece of fresh ginger while the cider simmers for a little warmth and spice.
Add extra sweetness with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
A splash of pure vanilla extract adds depth and aroma.
For an adult twist, stir in a splash of rum, brandy, or cognac.

Video

Notes

* When you buy apple cider (not to be confused with the hot apple cider recipe) in the U.S., it’s different from apple cider in the U.K. In the U.K., “apple cider” refers to hard cider, which is alcoholic. In the U.S., apple cider is unfiltered and often unpasteurized, giving it a cloudy appearance, while some apple juice is filtered, pasteurized, and sometimes clear. You can use either apple cider or apple juice for this recipe.

Nutrition