Description
Warm up on chilly days with this Easy Spiced Hot Apple Cider recipe, featuring sweet apple cider infused with aromatic cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and other warming spices. This cozy drink is perfect for gatherings or relaxing evenings, and can be easily adapted with rum for an adult-friendly spiked cider or served as a comforting non-alcoholic treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Spiced Apple Cider
- 8 cups apple cider (2 quarts / about 2 L)
- ½ lemon zest (without pith)
- 1 orange (zest and segments separated)
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 cup gold rum (optional, can increase to 1 ½ cups or omit for non-alcoholic version)
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- ½ tsp whole cloves
- 1 tsp allspice berries
- 10 – 12 cardamom pods
- ⅕ of a nutmeg (or ¼ tsp ground nutmeg)
- 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
- ½ tbsp whole peppercorns (optional)
- 1 star anise (optional)
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup chilled heavy cream (about 240 mL)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 generous pinch sea salt
- 3 – 4 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Garnishes
- Apple slices
- Orange slices
- Cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Prepare the spiced cider: In a large pot, combine the apple cider with lemon zest, orange zest, orange segments, maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, cardamom pods, grated or ground nutmeg, sliced ginger, peppercorns, and star anise if using. Stir well to mix the ingredients.
- Simmer the cider: Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the cider simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify, stirring occasionally.
- Add rum (optional): If using alcohol, stir in the gold rum after simmering. Adjust the amount to your preference if you want a stronger drink.
- Prepare the whipped cream: While the cider simmers, whip the chilled heavy cream in a chilled bowl using a hand mixer or whisk until it starts to thicken. Add the ground cinnamon, sea salt, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, then continue whipping until soft peaks form. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Serve the cider: Strain the cider to remove the spices and fruit solids. Ladle the hot spiced cider into mugs, garnish with apple slices, orange slices, and a cinnamon stick.
- Top with whipped cream: Spoon a generous dollop of the flavored whipped cream on top of each mug of cider just before serving for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- This recipe is very flexible—adjust spices and sweetness to match your taste.
- Omit the rum or substitute with bourbon or apple brandy for variations.
- Adding star anise introduces a licorice flavor, which is optional based on your preference.
- Serve as a warm, comforting beverage perfect for fall or winter gatherings.
- Store leftovers refrigerated and reheat gently on stovetop before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 154 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 11 mg
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.4 g
- Cholesterol: 3 mg
