Spiced Apple Cider | A Delightful Autumn Beverage

Heat up a batch of spiced apple cider to serve this holiday season. Whether you spike it with bourbon, add a dollop of whipped cream, or enjoy it as-is, this is a drink that will warm you from the inside out.

Close up of glass mug filled with spiced apple cider. The cider is topped with whipped cream and dusted with ground cinnamon.

Want to know a really simple way to impress guests at any gathering? Make your own drinks! This doesn’t necessarily mean crafting a signature cocktail. Even a delightful non-alcoholic beverage for everyone to enjoy is always a hit.

In summer, I enjoy whipping up homemade strawberry lemonade or watermelon lemonade. However, as the seasons change, I shift to warm drinks, reaching for comforting recipes like instant pot hot chocolate or this delicious spiced apple cider.

These beverages are perfect for all ages. Kids will love them, and adults can easily add a splash of their favorite spirit if they choose! This way, you can soak in the compliments while keeping the recipe’s simplicity a secret.

What Is Spiced Apple Cider?

If you’ve never tried spiced apple cider before, you’re in for a treat. Spiced apple cider is a warm beverage infused with aromatic spices often found in apple pie spice.

Typically served warm, it might be topped with whipped cream or accompanied by a cinnamon stick for that perfect finishing touch.

Spiced apple cider ingredients arranged on a light countertop.

How to Make Spiced Apple Cider

Ready for a mug of pure comfort? Let’s dive into how to create this delightful spiced cider!

Spiced Cider vs. Wassail

While my spiced apple cider is reminiscent of my wassail recipe, there are notable differences. Both include cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger. Wassail is spiced with orange, cloves, and allspice, and generally sweetened with simple syrup. In contrast, my spiced apple cider features cardamom and vanilla without added sweetener, although you can adjust to your taste.

While wassail is more common during Christmas celebrations, spiced cider shines in the fall. Both are delicious and ideal for any holiday gathering!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe features a handful of ingredients that create a flavorful experience:

  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 vanilla bean

If you don’t have a vanilla bean, substitute with 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste, adding it toward the end after straining out the spices.

This recipe yields four 1-cup servings but can be easily scaled up for larger gatherings!

Simmering spiced apple cider in a saucepan on a burner.

Making This Recipe

To begin, get a medium saucepan and set it over medium heat. Combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cardamom, and nutmeg. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise with a sharp knife, scraping out the seeds with the back of the knife. Add both the bean pod and seeds to the cider.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, allowing the cider to simmer for at least 15 minutes, or longer if you desire.

When ready to serve, strain the cider using a fine mesh sieve to remove the solids.

Strained spiced apple cider in a glass measuring cup, with the strainer filled with cinnamon sticks set on top.

Serving Suggestions

This spiced apple cider is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it further! Consider topping it with a dollop of homemade whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or apple pie spice.

For a festive twist, set out some alcohol options for guests. Favorites include:

Two glass mugs filled with spiced apple cider and garnished with whipped cream and cinnamon sticks.

Make-Ahead and Reheating

If you plan to serve this spiced cider at a gathering, consider making it ahead of time. You can either prepare the cider as instructed, strain it, and refrigerate it for up to three days until you’re ready to serve.

When ready to serve, simply reheat it in a saucepan. Alternatively, you can use a slow cooker for a more hands-off method. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker, simmer on low for 1-2 hours, strain, and then keep warm to serve during your party.

However you choose to serve it, this spiced apple cider is a cozy beverage that’s perfect for keeping warm during the winter months!

Mug of spiced apple cider with a sip taken out of it.

Spiced Apple Cider Recipe

Ingredients Instructions
  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 vanilla bean
  1. Place apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cardamom, and nutmeg in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the pan. Add the bean pod and seeds.
  2. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, allowing to cook for about 15 minutes.
  3. Strain the cider to remove solids. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or apple pie spice, if desired.

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