Hot Party Drink
Warm up your next gathering with this irresistible Hot Party Drink, a spiced apple cider creation that’s perfect for cozy evenings and festive get-togethers. Bursting with fall flavors, this easy-to-make recipe combines sweet apple cider, zesty orange peel, and aromatic spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves, all simmered to perfection. A touch of brown sugar and a splash of vanilla extract add depth, while fresh ginger delivers a subtle kick. For an extra layer of indulgence, stir in bourbon or dark rum for a spirited twist. Ready in just 30 minutes and customizable for both adults and kids, this crowd-pleasing beverage is served hot in mugs and garnished with clove-studded orange slices, creating a show-stopping drink that smells as incredible as it tastes. Ideal for holiday parties, chilly nights, or casual gatherings, this recipe is sure to leave your guests asking for seconds.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider
- 1 whole orange
- 3 sticks cinnamon sticks
- 8 pieces whole cloves
- 2 pieces star anise
- 1 inch fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup bourbon or dark rum (optional)
Instructions
Pour the apple cider into a large pot or Dutch oven.
Wash the orange thoroughly. Using a vegetable peeler, peel several strips of orange zest, avoiding the bitter white pith. Add the zest to the pot.
Slice the peeled orange into rounds and stud each one with 1-2 cloves. Set the orange slices aside for later use.
Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and peeled, sliced fresh ginger to the pot with the apple cider.
Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract, making sure the sugar dissolves into the cider.
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse.
Taste the cider and adjust sweetness if necessary by adding more brown sugar, 1 teaspoon at a time.
If including bourbon or dark rum, stir it in just before serving so the alcohol doesn't cook off.
Ladle the hot party drink into mugs, garnish with the clove-studded orange slices, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
214 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.3 g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 12 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.5 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.5 g | ||
| Protein | 0.6 g | 1% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 47 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 0.6 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 314 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.
