This recipe has just the right combination of apple and spices to make it the nicest fragrant cozy drink. Add it to the list of holiday and winter favorites!
Cozy Hot Apple Cider
Everyone loves a cozy cup of apple cider! Kids love it warmed with a dollop of whipped cream and adults will love it served as a hot toddy spiked with a splash of rum or another alcohol like Irish whiskey.It’s one of those winter drinks that warms you from the inside out.Unlike apple juice, which is pasteurized and available year-round, apple cider is fresh and unfiltered with a savory flavor which is why it’s often seen at pumpkin patches and hayrides.
Ingredients for Hot Apple Cider
Fruit – Any apple variety will work; red apples are softer and sweeter than green apples which are firm and tart. Why not try a colorful mix of both? Thinly slice before using. Orange peel (or orange zest) and lemon peel add a lot of flavor to this easy hot apple cider recipe. Sugar & Spice – 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon can be substituted for cinnamon sticks, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of apple pie spice can be substituted for all spices. Sweeten with brown sugar or a splash of maple syrup. Garnishes – Other colorful garnishes to consider are cinnamon sticks, whole star anise, cloves, and even a few cinnamon red-hot candies. Spiked Cider – So many great ideas, here! Set out bottles of spiced rum, brandy, bourbon or Grand Marnier, and let everyone spike their own drinks!
How to Make Hot Apple Cider
How Long Does It Last?
Hot apple cider is one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day, so don’t worry about making too much! If serving guests, heat the cider on the stovetop and keep it warm in a slow cooker on the warm (or low) setting.
In the Refrigerator: This hot cider should last 7 to 10 days.In the Freezer: Let cool and pour into an airtight container, leaving about 2 inches at the top for expansion.
Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm.
More Holiday Beverages
Keep a few (or all!) of these classic holiday beverages on rotation for holiday parties! Did you make this Hot Apple Cider? Leave us a rating and a comment below! © SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
