Name: Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups apple cider; 2 slices orange; 2 cinnamon sticks; 1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced; 1 Tbsp maple syrup; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

There’s nothing quite like the cozy warmth of a spiced drink on a chilly day, and this Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s fragrant, smooth, and perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness and spice, making it an absolute must-make this season.

The image shows two clear glass mugs filled with warm brownish-orange liquid, each topped with a whole cinnamon stick and a round lemon slice resting on the surface. The mugs have clear handles and sit on a dark wooden surface with a white pine cone with frosted tips placed nearby, adding a cozy, autumn feel. A small part of an orange with a clove stuck into its skin is visible in the corner. The overall scene has warm lighting and a festive mood. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely enjoy making this Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe because it’s simple, quick, and fills the kitchen with the warm aroma of autumn spices. It’s become my go-to drink on crisp evenings when I want something comforting but not too sweet.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these spices and apple cider on hand, making this super easy to whip up anytime.
Quick to Make: In just around 15 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, warm drink that tastes like it took hours to create.
Balanced Flavors: The mix of cinnamon, orange, ginger, nutmeg, and maple syrup creates a depth that’s perfectly sweet and spicy without overpowering.
Perfect for Sharing: This is a wonderful recipe to make for guests or for a cozy night in—you’ll get plenty of compliments!

Two clear glass mugs filled with a light brown drink sit on a white marbled surface. Each drink has one floating cinnamon stick and a lemon slice on top. A woman's hand holds the handle of each mug from opposite sides of the image. Around the mugs are whole cinnamon sticks, pinecones dusted with white tips, lemon slices, and a whole lemon, all placed on the white marbled surface, creating a warm, cozy scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays its part in building that comforting, inviting flavor we crave from a classic hot apple cider. Here’s why I love the combo and some tips to pick the best versions.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden apple cider, two bright orange slices with visible juicy segments, two warm brown cinnamon sticks, a thin inch piece of fresh peeled ginger sliced into rounds, a small white bowl containing amber maple syrup, a small white bowl with light brown ground nutmeg powder, all arranged in perfect symmetry placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Apple cider: Pick a fresh, high-quality apple cider—unfiltered is best for a more robust flavor.
Orange slices: Adding fresh orange slices is a game-changer—it brings a bright citrus note that balances the spices beautifully.
Cinnamon sticks: Using whole sticks instead of ground cinnamon gives a cleaner, more aromatic infusion.
Fresh ginger: A small piece peeled and sliced adds just the right kick of warmth without being spicy.
Maple syrup: This natural sweetener adds depth and a subtle woodsy flavor that’s richer than plain sugar.
Ground nutmeg: Nutmeg’s fragrant earthiness rounds out the spices and enhances the cider’s warmth.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I adore about this Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I like to swap maple syrup for honey or add a splash of bourbon for a twangy kick during gatherings. You can tailor it easily to your tastes and occasion.

Variation: Once, I tried adding cloves and star anise, and while it was deliciously aromatic, I found it a bit intense for everyday sipping—try small amounts first to find your preference.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe

Step 1: Gather & Prep Your Ingredients

I start by pulling together everything—a fresh batch of apple cider, two orange slices, cinnamon sticks, ginger sliced thinly, maple syrup, and a pinch of ground nutmeg. Having everything ready upfront makes the next steps smooth.

Step 2: Simmer the Magic

Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, ginger, maple syrup, and nutmeg. I bring it to a gentle simmer and let it infuse for 5 to 10 minutes. Watch the orange slices—they start to darken as the flavors meld. Avoid a rolling boil because you want to keep that full cider volume intact, not evaporate it away.

Step 3: Strain & Serve

Once it’s beautifully fragrant and warm, I strain the cider through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the solids. Pour into your favorite mugs and don’t forget to add back a cinnamon stick and orange slice for that inviting touch.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe many times, a few tricks really take it to the next level and keep it hassle-free.

Fresh Ginger Slices: Thin slices rather than grated ginger provide gentle warmth without overpowering or making the cider gritty.
Don’t Over-Simmer: Simmering longer than 10 minutes risks too much evaporation and can concentrate flavors too much, sometimes making the cider bitter.
Maple Syrup Substitute: Feel free to substitute honey or brown sugar, but maple syrup adds a special earthy sweetness that complements the spices perfectly.
Keep It Covered: While simmering, a loose cover helps the cider develop flavor but keeps evaporation minimal.

How to Serve Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe

spiced hot apple cider - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping off the warm cider with a cinnamon stick and a fresh orange slice—it adds just the right touch of rustic charm and keeps the flavors vibrant as you sip.

Side Dishes

This cider pairs beautifully with buttery apple fritters, soft gingerbread cookies, or a simple cheese board featuring sharp cheddar and crunchy crackers. It’s a cozy pairing that elevates any casual gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this cider in mason jars wrapped with twine and accented with a star anise pod or cranberry sprig. It’s these little touches that make the drink feel festive and extra welcoming.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, transfer cooled cider to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Just remember to warm it gently because sudden heat can dull the fresh flavor.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing the cider in ice cube trays to portion it out, then reheating cubes as needed. It works well and keeps flavor intact, but fresh-made is definitely best when you have time.

Reheating

For reheating, I usually use a gentle stove-top heat—just warm until steaming but not boiling. This preserves the delicate spice flavors and prevents bitterness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

You can substitute apple juice, but it’s usually clearer and sweeter than cider, so expect a slightly different flavor profile without that fresh-pressed apple depth. If using juice, consider adding a bit more spice for balance.

How long can I store leftover spiced cider?

Leftover Spiced Hot Apple Cider keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For best flavor, reheat gently and avoid boiling after storage.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan if you use maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener. Just avoid honey or animal-derived ingredients.

What’s the best way to add an adult twist?

A splash of bourbon, rum, or spiced whiskey stirred into the hot cider just before serving adds warmth and complexity for an adult version that’s perfect for parties.

Final Thoughts

This Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a simple way to create warmth and comfort with just a few pantry staples. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or hosting close friends by the fire, this drink is like a hug in a mug. I hope you enjoy making and sipping it as much as I do!