Hot Apple Cider

Hot apple cider is the perfect remedy for a chilly evening. Our simple hot apple cider recipe is incredibly easy, using a store-bought cider and jazzing it up with classic warming spices such as cinnamon, clove and allspice. It’s also an excellent alternative way to use that coffee percolator that only comes out on special occasions.

Ingredients for Hot Apple Cider

• Brown sugar: This recipe calls for 2/3 cup brown sugar. Pack it down in the measuring cup to get an accurate measurement. Light brown sugar has a milder, less molasses-like flavor than dark brown sugar.
• Cloves: Cloves add a somewhat spicy, somewhat sweet hint of flavor and fragrance to the cider. Use whole cloves rather than ground cloves.
• Allspice: Ground allspice tastes like a combination of other spices such as nutmeg, black pepper and cloves, so it’s a lovely warming spice for hot cider. Allspice is made from the dried berries of a plant in the myrtle family.
• Cinnamon sticks: Use 3 cinnamon sticks that are approximately 3 inches long, then break them into smaller pieces so they’ll fit in the percolator basket.
• Apple cider: Choose the best quality apple cider you can find for optimal flavor, such as an organic variety with no additives.  Some apple orchards sell their own apple cider when apples are in season, which makes for an extra delicious hot cider drink.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the cider

Abbey Littlejohn for Taste Recipes

Fill the filter-lined basket of a large automatic percolator with the brown sugar, cloves, allspice and cinnamon sticks. Prepare the cider as you would make coffee according to manufacturer’s directions, but substitute cider for water, and don’t use coffee. Pour the hot cider into mugs and enjoy!

Editor’s Tip: Don’t make this hot spiced apple cider recipe in a drip-style coffee maker.

Abbey Littlejohn for Taste Recipes

Recipe Variations

• Add red-hot cinnamon candies: Place a few cinnamon red-hot candies in the bottom of each mug or glass before serving for an added pop of cinnamon flavor.
• Use less brown sugar: Cut the brown sugar in half or even eliminate it completely if you like cider less sweet. Pour a small amount of the cider from the jug into a glass to taste its sweetness beforehand to determine how much sugar may be needed.
• Ginger beer: Add an inch or so of ginger beer to the mug before adding the cider for a mocktail-style treat. This ginger beer-cider drink tastes delicious hot or cold.
• Add turmeric and ginger: Stir in a dash of both turmeric and ginger to a glass of hot apple cider for a drink that’s soothing when your tummy needs a little comfort.
• Make mulled cider: Add 1/8 cup or so of both orange juice and lemon juice, plus 1 tablespoon orange zest to make a lovely mulled cider.

How to Store Hot Apple Cider

When the cider cools, transfer it to an airtight container, even the type you might use to store iced tea. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 1 week.

How do you reheat hot apple cider?

Pour the cider into a saucepan and simmer it over medium heat until it reaches the desired temperature.

Hot Apple Cider Tips

Abbey Littlejohn for Taste Recipes

Can I make this in a saucepan instead?

Yes; pick a saucepan or pot large enough to hold 1 gallon of cider. Place the cloves and cinnamon sticks in cheesecloth and tie it up with kitchen string, if desired, or simply leave all the ingredients in the pan loose, then strain them out later. Bring the cider and spices to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, then let the cider simmer for 30 minutes before serving.

Can I make this hot apple cider recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Place all the ingredients in a slow cooker, place the lid on the slow cooker and simmer the cider for 4 hours on low. A slow cooker offers a nice way to keep the cider warm for a party or gathering, too!

Could I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Sure! Apple juice tastes just as wonderful with the cider spices added to it.

Could I add alcohol?

Hot apple cider makes a yummy alcoholic beverage! Add a shot of rum or spiced rum, bourbon or brandy. Check out these other ideas for other ingredients to add to your apple cider.