Easy Spiced Apple Cider
Spiced Apple Cider is the perfect warm drink for a chilly fall evening and especially for Halloween! All you need are a handful of ingredients and spices, as well as about 30 minutes to make this easy apple cider recipe. Makes 8 servings.
Happy Halloween, y’all! (Or, as I’ve said several times today to my husband, my sister and my dog, ‘Happy Howl-o-ween!’)
Yes, I’m that person. Let’s just embrace it, mmmkay?
Today, I wanted to share a favorite recipe of mine for this time of year…
Why I love this recipe:
This easy hot Apple Cider recipe was concocted on Halloween night 2012, when I wanted something warm to sip while I opened the door time and again to the various trick-or-treaters.
If you’re looking for a super easy, delicious win for any fall entertaining occasion (or just to make for yourself or your family), this apple cider recipe is for you.
The cider has some warmth and is comforting as all get out. It’s lightly spiced, but if you leave the spices in to infuse for longer, you’ll have a stronger spiced cider.
Please note that this does not make a batch of totally from-scratch cider. (No fresh apples or apple slices are necessary here! Let’s be real: this would taste excellent, though I lack the foresight and planning to make it happen.) So if that’s what you are looking for, this is not the recipe for you.
Also, if you want to transform this into an adult beverage, I can confirm the mulled cider pairs nicely with bourbon and rum. It would also be scrumptious with spiced rum. We’ve spiked ours several times, and it’s absolutely delicious.
More apple cider drinks to try: Apple Cider Moscow Mule | Apple Cider Punch with Elderberry | Sparkling Bourbon Apple Cider Punch | Apple Cider Margaritas | Spiked Caramel Apple Cider
Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Head on over to my Drinks Recipe Index for more ideas.
What you need to make this recipe:
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- A large pot or a Dutch oven, like a Le Creuset 5-Quart Enameled Cast-Iron Oval French (Dutch) Oven
- Wooden spoon or rubber spatula for stirring
Let’s talk ingredients!
In addition to the tools above, you’re going to need some ingredients to make this recipe, too! Chances are, you might already have some of them in your fridge or pantry. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and instructions.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Apple cider — this unfiltered apple goodness packs so much flavor and deliciousness into this drink. If you can get your hands on fresh apple cider from an apple farm, GET IT. And if you can’t find cider at all, you may use apple juice.
- Spices — we’re using a combination of whole cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. You could also throw in a star anise, a few allspice berries, a little fresh ginger or even a shake nutmeg, too, if you are into those.
- Brown sugar — I’m a fan of dark brown sugar for this recipe for the additional molasses flavor, but you can use light brown sugar if that’s what you have.
Please note that we are spicing this apple cider ourselves, so you do not need to purchase Spiced Apple Cider from the store.
How to make easy apple cider
Pour the store bought apple cider into a large saucepan or a Dutch oven.
Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and brown sugar.
Warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and bring the cider to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer the cider for an additional 30 minutes.
Remove the cloves and cinnamon sticks. You may strain through a fine mesh strainer, if desired.
Serve warm.
How to store:
Store in an airtight drink container or pitcher for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave when you want a cup of cider.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’re making this apple cider easy by purchasing some classic cider from the store and adding our own spice blend and sweeteners! If you want to make apple cider from scratch, check out this recipe.
It depends on what you like, but I love to pair caramel with apple cider. I also love to add bourbon, whiskey and rum to cider.
This will keep in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks.
Quick tips and tricks to the easiest spiced apple cider recipe
- Double or triple the recipe. This is great for a crowd and so simple to make!
- Keep it warm in the slow cooker or crock pot. If you want to serve this for a gathering, the slow cooker is a must! Set out mugs and garnishes beside the slow cooker and let guests serve themselves.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Chances are, it won’t last that long! Reheat in a microwave-safe mug in the microwave when you want individual glasses.
Armed with this information, are y’all ready to make these beauts?
Here’s how you make it…
Spiced Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 64 oz. apple cider (8 cups)
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar lightly packed (50g)
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Instructions
- Pour the apple cider into a large saucepan.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and brown sugar.
- Heat over medium-low heat, and bring to a boil.
- Once the ingredients have come to a boil, lower the heat and simmer the cider for an additional 30 minutes.
- Let cool and steep for up to an hour, then serve. The longer that it steeps, the more pronounced the flavors will become. If you do not love cloves, I suggest stopping at the 30-minute mark.
- You can also save this cider for up to two weeks in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave when you want a cup of cider.
Nutrition
The photos and recipe for this Spiced Apple Cider were originally published on October 31, 2013. The photographs, along with the text of this blog post, were updated on October 31, 2016.
About the Author:
Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her…
That apple cider looks delicious. I can almost smell it from here.
Thanks, Patty! I love me a good glass of apple cider in the fall!
I’ve never made apple cider, but can’t wait to after seeing this. I bet it tastes sooo good!
Let me know what you think when you make it, Megan! It’s SO simple, but it’s just so delightful and home-y for this time of year.
The cider looks amazing and I thought the sugared pumpkin was a donut! Please send them my way.
Thanks for stopping by, Krayl, and now that you’ve said you thought the sugared/glittered pumpkin was a donut, I want a pumpkin donut. (Totally normal, right?) Let me know if you try the cider!
I’m gonna make this tonight!!
YAY! I hope you and yours enjoy them!