This 4-ingredient Spiced Apple Cider will warm your tummy on a cold night. Discover my two easy ways to make this simple hot apple cider so you can serve it up piping hot for any fall and winter celebrations!
One of Ryan’s aunts gave us this hot spiced apple cider recipe, and I’ve tweaked it only slightly. We serve it every year for Thanksgiving dinner, and all winter long whenever the mood strikes! It’s so easy — below you’ll find instructions on how to make spiced apple cider on the stovetop or in the slow cooker.
Table of Contents
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Improve store-bought cider – You’ll be surprised at how far just a handful of spices and a few slices of pineapple can go. Easily transform a simple beverage into a delicious homemade mulled, hot spiced apple cider with so much flavor and depth.
- Easy recipe – All you need are 4 simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Choose from two ways to make it – Opt for the quick, stovetop method or the longer, slow cooker variation. The latter is great to leave simmering throughout the night when you hang out with friends and family for the holidays. You’ll always have a delicious hot drink at hand!
- Festive and comforting – There’s something so cozy about apple, cinnamon, and other warm spices — the inviting aroma of hot cider will fill your home as it cooks… in the best way.
Tools you’ll need
You’ll need the following tools to make hot spiced apple cider:
- A large saucepan if you choose to make it on the stovetop.
- Or, a slow cooker if you prefer to let it simmer slowly.
Ingredients and Substitutions
As always, you’ll find the complete list of ingredients and quantities in the recipe card at the end of this post. Below are some notes and substitution tips:
- Apple Cider – Choose an apple cider that you would enjoy drinking on its own. We love getting it from our local orchard when we can — the flavor is so much better and fresher. You can use unfiltered apple cider as well as filtered apple cider, like the one shown above. Unfiltered will be cloudier. Don’t use the sparkling variety, as it won’t work here.
- Pineapple – You need canned pineapple rings and the juice they come in. Make sure to get pineapple slices in juice and not in syrup. I didn’t want to add any additional sugar to this recipe, and the juice is needed for more flavor.
- Whole Spices – It’s important to use whole spices for this recipe whenever you can. I added cinnamon sticks and whole cloves for a warm, earthy, and “spiced” (not spicy) flavor.
How to make spiced apple cider
The following instructions, step-by-step photos, and tips are here to help you visualize how to make the recipe. You can always skip straight to the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
Stovetop instructions
Add all of the ingredients to a stainless steel pot. Bring the apple cider mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 20-30 minutes so the spices have enough time to infuse into the cider. Serve hot!
Note: Alternatively, you could transfer the hot spiced apple cider into an insulated coffee dispenser if you have one, and allow your guests to serve themselves.
Slow cooker instructions
Simply add all of the ingredients into your slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours. Reduce the heat to WARM to keep the cider hot all day. Serve with a ladle.
Note: I prefer to make cinnamon apple cider in the slow cooker since our stovetop is usually completely occupied on Thanksgiving Day! It also fills the entire kitchen with warm, spiced aromas. It’s so comforting and festive.
More baker’s tips
- Customize this recipe to your liking and add other fruits like sliced apples, pears, oranges, whole cranberries, pomegranate perils, or another one of your favorites.
- You can also add other whole spices. Allspice berries, cardamom, and star anise are just a few ideas.
- Adjust the spice levels to your liking. If you prefer a stronger (or milder) flavor, increase or reduce the amount of cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. Taste the hot spiced apple cider as it simmers to check if it suits your preferences — that’s the beauty of making this homemade.
- Experiment with different sweeteners. I use the pineapple juice as a sweetener here to keep things simple. You could also try honey or maple syrup instead.
- Add alcohol like rum, brandy, and bourbon to make a spiked cinnamon apple cider for any 21+ guests. You could also make a hot version of an Apple Pimm’s Cup.
Storage
To store, transfer the spiced apple cider to a jug or container and allow it to cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
To reheat, microwave single servings in a mug in 30-second bursts until warmed through. You could also reheat on your stovetop over medium-low until hot. It’s also perfectly fine to enjoy it cold!
FAQs
The difference between apple cider and spiced apple cider is exactly what you would imagine it to be: one is flavored with spices and the other is not. Regular apple cider gets all of its flavor from the apples, while spiced cider is flavored with spices like cinnamon and cloves.
I wouldn’t recommend it. While you could technically use juice, apple cider boasts a much more authentic and bold flavor. The natural sweetness and tartness of cider complements the whole spices a lot better.
You can also add nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, or ginger to create your own unique hot spiced apple cider recipe. Those are just a few ideas — remember to use whole spices when you can.
This spiced cinnamon apple cider will keep for up to 3-5 days when properly stored in the fridge.
More hot beverages
- Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
- Chocolate Hazelnut Latte
- Matcha Latte
- Spiced Hot Chocolate
- Irish Cream Hot Chocolate
📖 Recipe card
Spiced Apple Cider
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole cloves
- 8 oz can of pineapple slices in juice (4 pineapple rings)
Instructions
Stove top
- Put all ingredients including the pineapple juice that the pineapple slices come in into a large pot, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and keep the apple cider on simmer, serve hot. Turn off the heat once done serving.
Slow cooker
- Alternately, cook this in a slow cooker to keep the drink hot all night. First set the slow cooker on high to bring the cider to almost a boil, about 2 – 3 hours. It won’t reach a rolling boil but you’ll see a lot of steam fogging up the lid. Then put it on the warm setting to keep the cider hot throughout dinner.
Notes
- Use whole spices for this recipe whenever you can.
- Make sure to get pineapple slices in juice and not in syrup. We don’t need additional sugar in this recipe and we want the pineapple juice for more flavor.
- You can use unfiltered apple cider as well as filtered apple cider like the one shown in the ingredient photos. Unfiltered will be cloudier. But don’t use the sparkling variety.
Nutrition
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So easy to make. Can’t wait to make a big batch at Christmas
wow I didn’t know it was this easy to make Apple Cider! Looks fantastic! Happy New year to you & your loved ones!! xoxo
I just made a similar recipe to this last night! It is definitely one of my favourite holiday recipes. 🙂
http://www.skinnybelle.com/
Sometimes quick and easy is kind of the best, isn’t it? And it is still so good 🙂