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Home » Hot Spiced Apple Cider

Apples

Hot Spiced Apple Cider

Created On: October 18, 2020  |  Updated: August 31, 2021  |   33 Comments

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This hot spiced apple cider uses apple cider or apple juice for a healthy, spicy and easy drink that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas. This recipe is naturally paleo with a vegan option.

During the holidays, or really any type of get together, I always forget about drinks until the last minute. If you’re like me and need something quick (or even if you plan well ahead), then this is perfect! By the way, it makes the house smell amazing. 

Hot Spiced Apple Cider
It’s so simple but so delicious to warm up with a small mug of this.  It can be fairly strong stuff, so a small serving is just right, or you can water it down slightly.

This recipe calls for orange skin. When I have navel oranges, I use a vegetable peeler to peel them before I remove the white pith and enjoy my orange. 

Hot Spiced Apple Cider Ingredients

Then I leave the skin on a plate on the counter for a day or two until completely dry before storing in an airtight container or bag. 

Sometimes I even grind it up and store it that way to use in recipes that call for orange zest when I have no fresh oranges.  The same amount of dried zest can be used in place of fresh if you’re interested in trying it.


As for apple cider, you want to look for a very minimally processed juice.  The juice at the store that is completely clear has so much of the nutrition removed, you’re much better off finding a murky juice, even one that you can still see little bits of apple pulp floating around in. 

If you live near an apple orchard, that’s your best bet for finding a minimally processed apple juice or cider. If not, look for apple juice with nothing else added, and certainly no extra sugar.

Hot Spiced Apple Cider
We enjoy this hot spiced apple cider without any sweetener in it. We think it’s sweet enough with the natural sweetness from the apple juice. 

But if you prefer, you can use a little honey or maple syrup for a vegan version. 

Hot Spiced Apple Cider in cup
Want to spike it? Add a bit of rum! 2-3 tablespoons per cup (240 ml) of hot spiced apple cider is what we like to use.

I’d love to hear how you all like this homemade apple cider! It’s our go-to holiday party drink recipe.

Need more Thanksgiving recipes? Try these dairy-free mashed potatoes, pumpkin mac and cheese and mashed sweet potatoes with bacon. These healthy pumpkin brownies also look great! As do these Thanksgiving mocktails.

Hot Spiced Apple Cider Process

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Hot Spiced Apple Cider (paleo, vegan)

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Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups (946 ml) apple cider or apple juice
  • 2 large cinnamon sticks
  • 3/4 teaspoon whole cloves
  • a couple whole allspice berries
  • skin of 1/2 a navel orange removed using a vegetable peeler fresh or dried
  • 2-4 tablespoons honey or maple syrup for vegan (might not be needed, depending on how sweet your juice is)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg, plus more to sprinkle over top if desired
  • water if desired

Instructions

  • In a small pot over medium-low heat add the apple cider, all the spices and the orange skin.
  • Slowly bring to a boil and then turn down to a very slow simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and taste before stirring in the honey if needed and let sit to cool slightly if desired. If not, serve immediately, being sure to strain out all the spices and orange peel. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of freshly grated nutmeg over the top, if desired, and serve with a cinnamon stick.
  • You can also increase the recipe if desired and place in a crockpot on low for 4+ hours if desired. Any leftover hot apple cider can be strained to remove the flavorings and stored in the fridge to be reheated, or even frozen to drink another day or to use in baking.
Tried this recipe?Tag me today! Mention @easywholesome or tag #easywholesome!

 

posted in: Apples, Cold Drinks/Smoothies, Drinks, Fruit, Gluten-free, Grain-free, Honey, Hot Drinks, Kid-friendly

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    Comments & Reviews

  1. Debra says

    Ok…I never thought I was an apple cider type person….but that has all changed. THis is perfectly spiced and nicely sweet. Delish.

    Reply
  2. Jordan Elbaum | Prickly Fresh says

    I can feel the warmth of this through the screen! Such a simple but amazing recipe

    Reply
  3. Carina says

    Deliciously warming, would love to try this!

    Reply
  4. Carol Little R.H. @studiobotanica says

    Love this recipe. Looking forward to making it asap!

    Reply
  5. Stacey Crawford says

    Hot Apple Cider is one of my favorite hot drinks. It is so nice to find a healthy version I can make myself at home. I love that you added some orange zest to it!

    Reply
  6. Donny says

    I love all those spices! Plus it makes your house smell great.

    Reply
  7. Jessica says

    What a great recipe! I love that this can be made in the crock pot with all whole foods ingredient. And no added sugar – excellent!

    Reply
  8. ChihYu says

    So perfect for cold weather! Easy to make and delicious!

    Reply
  9. Heather Harris says

    I love how good the house smells when making this. The added orange just make its the best!

    Reply
  10. Jean Choi says

    Love that crockpot method! I didn’t realize apple cider was this easy to make!!

    Reply
  11. Heather Harris says

    This is going to make the house smell so good! I think I can make this happen today.

    Reply
  12. Charlotte Moore says

    I like hot spiced cider but don’t care for cloves in anything.

    Reply
  13. Hollie says

    Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that
    I have truly loved browsing your blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing on your rss feed and I am hoping you write again soon!

    Reply
  14. Brianna says

    Can u make hot apple cider without cinamen sticks?

    Reply
  15. Joyce Cooper says

    I loooooooove hot apple cider. Never tried adding orange though – thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  16. K&B N. says

    Apple Cider is the best when served hot. We personally prefer home made warm cider over sparkling cider.

    Reply
  17. Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says

    Sounds like a wonderful warm and soothing drink. Hope your little girl feels better soon.

    Reply
  18. Baltic Maid says

    This season, I haven’t made apple cider yet but this recipe sounds so delicious. I’ll give this a try one of these days. Thanks for this lovely recipe.

    Reply
  19. Richa@HobbyandMore says

    love the spices and the flavors in this perfect hot cup of cider.. i think i am going to make some once i get done with my holiday list and finally have a couple of days of cozy movie days!

    Reply
  20. Kelly @ Inspired Edibles says

    What a gorgeous idea for a drink. And… anything with the word “simple” in the title works for me (especially this time of year!) – thanks Heidi!

    Reply
  21. brandi says

    ooh, love the idea of the orange peel!

    Reply
  22. Sarah Naveen says

    perfect for the season ! beautiful clicks !

    Reply
  23. Trevor Allen says

    My step one would be to actually make apple cider. There’s none of it down here in Peru! Do you know any easy ways to do that?

    Reply
  24. Snippets of Thyme says

    Mmmmm..I didn’t grow up with apple cider either but boy I sure love a steaming hot cup at this time of year!

    Reply
  25. Kathryn * Dramatic Pancake says

    Hi Heidi, LOVE your site! I am definitely going to have to spend some more time here. Apple cider is such a nostalgic thing for me, and yours sounds absolutely divine — just the sort of simple, warm comfort I find myself craving this time of year!

    Reply
  26. Nicole, RD says

    I just love your photography…so pretty 🙂 Simple recipe, but classic…and amazing photos to accompany 🙂

    Reply
  27. Heather says

    I too never experienced Hot Apple Cider until a few years ago when a neighbor prepared a big batch for us – it was so comforting,.

    Your version looks wonderful !

    I hope your little girl feels better in time for Santa’s arrival

    Reply
  28. Kathryn says

    This sounds so wonderfully warming and delicious! I hope your sick little girl gets better soon and in time for Christmas.

    Reply
  29. Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says

    That is one mug of comforting cider. Perfect for cold days when you just want to snuggle under the blanket and watch oldies on TV 🙂

    Reply
  30. Jennifer (Delicieux) says

    This looks so warming and comforting…and delicious!

    Happy holidays!

    Reply
  31. Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says

    Looks so cozy and delicious 🙂 This is a good alternative to hot chocolate every once and awhile, I need to remember to pick some up!

    Reply
  32. Pure2raw Twins says

    sounds perfect for these cold days we have been having here. I do not think I really had apple cider growing up as well. it always smells good. I enjoy it now from time to time 🙂

    Reply
  33. shez says

    This looks so warming and healthful (and is that creamed honey I see? Delicious!) Hope your little girl recovers quickly and is in bright spirits for the holidays!

    Reply

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