Variation: spiked hot apple cider
Adding a hint of rum or bourbon to this hot apple cider is a fun variation. Alex and I recommend it because it adds a nice subtle warmth and round flavor to the drink. The quantity in the recipe below is very modest, so it adds just a warming hint in each sip. If you’d like a stronger flavor, go to Spiked Apple Cider. Here’s our family favorite recipe for how to make hot apple cider on the stovetop! It only takes 1 hour and it’s totally hands off. You can also try crockpot apple cider if you have a pressure cooker. We make this every year and it’s always a hit!
Unfiltered vs filtered: Apple cider is sold unfiltered, which has the pulp and sediment, and filtered, which is basically like apple juice. For the most authentic hot apple cider flavor, choose unfiltered! If you can find local apple cider: even better. Pasteurized vs unpasteurized: Pasteurizing apple cider makes it more shelf stable. If it’s unpasteurized, it can turn into hard cider or apple cider vinegar over time, so you should drink it within 2 weeks. Unpasteurized cider has more risk of bacteria, so we recommend pasteurized.
Cinnamon sticks Nutmeg Allspice berries Cloves Star anise
Star anise is the most unique of all these spices: you may not have cooked with it before. It’s star-shaped and should be available at most grocery stores. You can also buy star anise online.
Toast whole spices before simmering. Use our blend of whole mulling spices (below) and toast them for a few minutes before adding the apple cider. Toasting the spices helps to release even more of their flavor (plus the kitchen will smell amazing). Warm for 1 hour: don’t simmer or boil! Then you’ll add the apple cider and warm on very low heat. You can have very small bubbles, but don’t simmer and certainly don’t boil! Simmering or boiling reduces the liquid, so you’d have less overall at the end. The point here is to infuse the apple cider with spices: not to reduce it. Strain off particulate, or stir to re-incorporate. Through the cook time, you’ll notice that particulate starts to gather on top of the cider. This is normal: in most jugs of apple cider you’ll buy at the store you’ll see particulate floating in the bottom. You can skim this part off after cooking: or just stir it to re-incorporate it into the cider.
Sliced orange adds a subtle citrus note. Whole cranberries add no flavor at all, but just look pretty! Other ideas: Try rosemary sprigs, diced apple, or sliced lemon
More drinks with apple cider
This hot apple cider is perfect for fall and winter when the cozy drink cravings set in! Here are a few more fall drinks and winter drinks that feature cider: No reviews
Apple Cider Mule This seasonal spin on the Moscow mule features cider and ginger beer. Apple Cider Mimosa The perfect winter or fall brunch cocktail! Combine cider with champagne for a festive treat. Bourbon & Apple Cider Cocktail This cocktail pairs sweet cider with bourbon and lemon! It’s full flavored and easy to make. Apple Cider Slushie This apple cider slushie is so easy to make and looks stunning! With a hint of cinnamon and cloves, it’s perfectly cozy. Apple Sangria or Apple Cider Sangria These sangria recipes are made the traditional Spanish way, using apples and cinnamon for a fall variation.
