Homemade Spiced Apple Cider 🍎✨
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There’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm apple cider simmering on the stove—cinnamon, cloves, and citrus filling the air with cozy comfort. This homemade spiced apple cider recipe is perfect for chilly fall evenings, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want a hug in a mug.
The best part? It’s simple, customizable, and you control the sweetness. Serve it plain for a family-friendly treat, or dress it up with a splash of bourbon or spiced rum for a festive grown-up twist.
🛠️ Equipment You’ll Need
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Medium to large saucepan
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Fine mesh sieve (for straining)
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Heat-proof pitcher or bowl
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Zester or peeler
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Wooden spoon
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🍏 Ingredients
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4 cups apple juice
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3 (4-inch) cinnamon sticks
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1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or 8 whole cloves
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1/4 teaspoon ground allspice or 8 whole allspice berries
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/2 teaspoon orange zest (or 1 strip orange peel)
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1 tablespoon maple syrup
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1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional – add only if you like it sweeter, after tasting)
Optional Garnishes: cinnamon stick, orange slice, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream
👩🍳 Instructions
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Combine ingredients: In a saucepan, add the apple juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, orange zest, and maple syrup.
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Heat gently: Warm over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer and the sugar (if using) dissolves.
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Simmer slowly: Reduce heat and let simmer for at least 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the bolder the spice flavor will be.
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Taste and adjust: After simmering, taste the cider. If you’d like it sweeter, stir in the optional brown sugar until dissolved.
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Strain & serve: Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a heat-proof pitcher.
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Enjoy: Serve warm in mugs with your choice of garnish.
🎉 Make It Grown-Up
For a festive adult version, add 1–2 ounces of bourbon, brandy, or spiced rum to each mug before serving. The warming spices pair beautifully with these spirits, making it a holiday party favorite.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
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Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style cider.
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Garnish with an orange slice and cinnamon stick for a cozy presentation.
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Serve alongside cookies, pumpkin pie, or gingerbread for a holiday dessert spread.
💡 Expert Tips
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Whole spices give a smoother flavor and are easier to strain, but ground spices work in a pinch.
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If using ground spices, you may want to double strain to remove extra sediment.
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For deeper citrus notes, add a splash of orange juice along with the zest.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients to your slow cooker, set to low, and let it warm for 2–3 hours.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. Store strained cider in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
What if I only have apple cider instead of apple juice?
Even better! Apple cider will give a richer, more robust flavor.
🥶 Storage & Reheating
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Fridge: Store cooled cider in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in mason jars (leaving headspace) for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat—avoid boiling, as it can dull the spice flavors.
📌 You May Also Like
Homemade Spiced Apple Cider 🍎✨
Equipment
- Medium to large saucepan
- Fine mesh sieve for straining
- Heat-proof pitcher or bowl
- Zester or peeler
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple juice
- 3 4-inch cinnamon sticks
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or 8 whole cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice or 8 whole allspice berries
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest or 1 strip orange peel
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Optional Garnishes
- cinnamon stick
- orange stick
- whipped cream
- vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- In a saucepan, add the apple juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, orange zest, and maple syrup.
- Warm over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer and the sugar (if using) dissolves.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for at least 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the bolder the spice flavor will be.
- After simmering, taste the cider. If you’d like it sweeter, stir in the optional brown sugar until dissolved.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a heat-proof pitcher.
- Serve warm in mugs with your choice of garnish.