Simple Spiced Apple Cider

This is the simplest way to make spiced apple cider using just a few ingredients with store bought apple cider. The result is a sweet, warm batch of apple cider that you can cozy up with on a cold day.

Here’s how to make spiced apple cider, followed by a printable version of the recipe:

To Make Spiced Apple Cider You’ll Need:

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 1 apple slice
• 5 cinnamon sticks
• 2 whole star anise
• 10 cloves

Step 1

Slice an apple width-wise to create a 1/4″ thick round apple slice. Pierce the apple slice with the cloves.

Note: the apple cider that you use should be already mixed and in a large, gallon sized bottle (like this one: Fresh Apple Cider). Most grocery stores carry pre-made apple cider in the juice aisle.

Step 2

Add the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and apple slice with cloves to a large saucepan on top of your stove.

Step 3

Heat the pot on medium low and simmer for 15 – 20 minutes. If you aren’t planning to serve all of the cider immediately, you can also leave it simmering on the stovetop for a couple of hours to keep it warm

Optionally, garnishing each cup with a cinnamon stick or star anise.

This recipe is incredibly simple and tasty. It’s warm and spicy in all the best ways. Here’s the full printable recipe followed by how to turn this into spiked apple cider!

Print

How long do you heat up apple cider on the stove?

Heat up apple cider for 15 – 20 minutes to make sure that it’s hot and the spices have enough time to simmer together.

How do you make apple cider with alcohol?

You can make alcoholic apple cider by making this recipe and then adding 1 1/2 cups of your preferred alcohol (whiskey and rum are both popular)

What alcohol is good with apple cider?

Whiskey, rum, and bourbon are all popular choices to make a spiked apple cider.

My favorite version of this is with a cinnamon whiskey, like Jack Daniels Tennessee Fire.

Can you heat up cold apple cider to make hot apple cider?

Yes, you can. Heat up your store bought cider on the stove for a few minutes until it’s hot. And when you heat up your apple cider with the spices in this recipe, you’ll be adding extra flavor in the process.

Looking for more cozy drink recipes? Check out our popular Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate Recipe.