Festive Hot Cider
Warm up your holiday gatherings with this Festive Hot Cider—a cozy blend of seasonal spices, fresh citrus, and just the right touch of sweetness. This irresistible winter classic starts with rich apple cider and layers in the flavors of clove-studded orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and fresh ginger. A hint of vanilla, brown sugar, and a pinch of nutmeg elevate the cider to aromatic perfection. Whether prepared on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, this recipe fills your home with the comforting scents of fall and winter while offering easy prep and customizable options—add a splash of spiced rum or bourbon for a festive adult twist! Serve this crowd-pleaser in mugs, garnished with orange slices, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks for a picture-perfect presentation. Your guests will savor every sip of this holiday-inspired drink! Perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or chilly evenings by the fire.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider
- 1 orange
- 8 whole cloves
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ounces per serving optional: spiced rum or bourbon
- 4 orange slices
- 12 cranberries (for garnish)
- 4 cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
Instructions
Pour the apple cider into a large saucepan or slow cooker.
Slice the orange into rounds and stud each slice with 2 whole cloves. Add the clove-studded orange slices to the cider.
Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and the 1-inch piece of fresh ginger (peeled and sliced) to the pot.
Stir in the brown sugar, a pinch of nutmeg, and vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it steep for 20-30 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
If using a slow cooker, set it on low and allow the cider to steep for 2-3 hours for maximum flavor.
Taste the cider and adjust sweetness, adding more brown sugar if desired.
For an adult version, stir in 2 ounces of spiced rum or bourbon per serving just before ladling into mugs.
Serve the hot cider in mugs and garnish each with a fresh orange slice, a few cranberries, and a cinnamon stick.
Enjoy your festive hot cider with family and friends!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
398 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1.4 g | 2% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 30 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 90.3 g | 33% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.6 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 67.5 g | ||
| Protein | 2.1 g | 4% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 219 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 2.8 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 884 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
