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Drinks

Homemade Hot Apple Cider

This cozy hot apple cider is the perfect drink to warm you up on a chilly day.

By Recipes By Naniยท ๐ŸŒ Americanยท July 19, 2026
Homemade Hot Apple Cider
recipesbynani.com
Prep
5 minutes
Cook
25 minutes
Total
30 minutes
Serves
6

There is nothing quite like the smell of fresh apple cider simmering on the stove to make a house feel like a home. This drink is a classic favorite during the autumn months when the air gets crisp and the leaves start to change color.

My secret for the best flavor is to use a mix of crisp apples and a splash of fresh orange juice. It creates a lovely balance between sweet and tangy that really shines once the spices have a chance to meld together.

๐Ÿงบ Ingredients

  • 8 cups fresh apple cider
  • 1 large orange, sliced into rounds
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 1 star anise
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, optional

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐ŸณInstructions

  1. 1

    Combine the apple cider, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise in a large pot.

  2. 2

    Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

  3. 3

    Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, letting it simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.

  4. 4

    Taste the cider and stir in the brown sugar if you prefer a bit more sweetness.

  5. 5

    Strain the cider into mugs and serve warm with a fresh cinnamon stick for garnish.

๐Ÿ’ก Tips

You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to three days and simply reheat them on the stove. If you are hosting a party, this keeps beautifully in a slow cooker on the warm setting for your guests to help themselves.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.

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