Spiced Apple Cider

Spiced apple cider is a seasonal treat. The warming beverage is one of our favorite fall drinks for sipping during chilly autumn evenings or staying warm during festive fall gatherings. Infusing apple cider with a blend of aromatic cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg creates a comforting and flavorful drink that’s sure to please your senses.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, curling up with a good book or simply seeking a cozy treat to sip by a fire pit on a cool evening, spiced cider is a delightful addition to any autumnal occasion. This hot spiced cider recipe is easy to make at home and can be easily customized to make it your own.

Ingredients for Spiced Apple Cider

• Apple cider or juice: Sweet and tangy apple cider forms the base of this sweet sipper. You can use shelf-stable apple juice options or fresh cider sold in the refrigerated section.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar sweetens the drink and adds a molasses flavor that complements the tangy apples and warm spices. You can adjust the amount of added sugar depending on the sweetness of the apple cider.
• Spices: Cinnamon sticks, ground allspice and ground nutmeg infuse this autumnal beverage with a complex and nuanced blend of warm flavors. If you want, you can add additional cinnamon sticks as stirrers to garnish each mug.

Directions

Step 1: Simmer the spiced cider

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In a large saucepan, combine the apple cider or juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, salt and nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, and cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Serve the spiced cider

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Discard the cinnamon sticks. Serve the cider, adding additional cinnamon sticks for stirrers if desired.

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Spiced Apple Cider Variations

• Try a different fruit: Add a splash of lemon or orange juice, or make the cider with a different juice to give it a unique spin. Try apple-cranberry juice or pear juice.
• Add more spice: In addition to the allspice and cinnamon, add other whole spices such as star anise, clove, whole mace, peppercorns or dried citrus rind to add even more nuanced spice flavors.
• Include vanilla: Add a split and scraped vanilla bean pod to make a spiced cider with a sweet vanilla aroma. Use the whole pod, or add just the pod husk and reserve the seeds for making vanilla recipes. The husk will still contribute plenty of flavor on its own!
• Stir in caramel sauce: Reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly and stir in a spoonful of jarred or homemade caramel sauce. The addition will give this spiced cider some serious caramel apple vibes!
• Make it boozy: For a festive twist, add a splash of brandy, rum or whiskey to the spiced cider.

How to Store Spiced Apple Cider

Let the spiced cider cool slightly, then transfer it to a jar with a tightly fitted lid. Store it in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can you freeze spiced apple cider?

To freeze the cider, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace at the top to allow for expansion. Freeze the container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy the cider, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight to thaw.

Alternatively, you can freeze spiced cider in ice cube trays to make it easy to defrost just enough cubes for a single serving. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag.

Can you make spiced apple cider ahead of time?

You can make spiced cider ahead of time and keep it warm for up to two hours in an insulated carafe or a slow cooker set on low. You can also make it ahead and refrigerate it, reheating the cider on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve it.

Spiced Apple Cider Tips

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Can you make hot spiced cider in a slow cooker?

To make slow-cooker apple cider, combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for two to three hours.

What’s the difference between apple juice and apple cider?

Apple juice is typically a shelf-stable product made from pasteurized, filtered apple juice. It has a light amber color and a sweet taste. Apple cider, on the other hand, is crushed from fresh apples. Because it’s usually unfiltered, it has a darker color and a more opaque appearance. Apple cider often tastes tangier and may be less sweet. In many regions, it’s considered a seasonal drink that is available only in the fall.

Can you use whole spices instead of ground spices to make spiced cider?

You can make spiced cider with whole or ground spices. In fact, swapping in whole allspice berries and a small piece of whole nutmeg will help maintain the cider’s clarity while still giving it a warm, spicy flavor.