Hot Apple Cider Punch
Warm up your holidays or any cozy gathering with this Hot Apple Cider Punch—a fragrant, spiced beverage that’s as delightful to smell as it is to sip. Made with pure apple cider and infused with vibrant orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise, this recipe delivers a comforting blend of seasonal flavors. A touch of brown sugar, nutmeg, and vanilla adds depth and sweetness, while an optional splash of rum or bourbon transforms it into an adults-only treat. Perfect for slow simmering in a pot or crockpot, this crowd-pleasing drink comes together in just 40 minutes and serves up to 8 guests. Serve it warm, garnished with a cinnamon stick or star anise, for a festive drink that will fill your home with irresistible holiday aromas.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 cups Apple cider
- 1 large Orange
- 3 pieces Cinnamon sticks
- 10 pieces Whole cloves
- 2 pieces Star anise
- 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
- 0.25 teaspoons Nutmeg
- 1 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 0.5 cups Optional: Rum or bourbon (for adults only)
Instructions
Pour the apple cider into a large pot or slow cooker.
Wash the orange thoroughly, then slice it into thin rounds. Add the slices to the pot of cider.
Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise to the pot.
Stir in the brown sugar, nutmeg, and vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the cider.
Place the pot over medium heat and bring it just to a simmer. Alternatively, if using a slow cooker, set it to low heat.
Once the cider begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it gently heat for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Taste the cider and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more brown sugar to your preference.
If serving adults and adding alcohol, stir in the rum or bourbon just before serving to avoid cooking off the alcohol.
Strain the cider into cups to remove the spices and orange slices, then ladle it into mugs.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a whole star anise for presentation, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
181 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.6 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 13 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.9 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.0 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 29.2 g | ||
| Protein | 0.6 g | 1% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 50 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 0.6 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 313 mg | 7% | |
*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.
