Name: Easy Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups apple cider; 2 slices of orange; 2 cinnamon sticks; 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced; 1 Tbsp maple syrup; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

There’s something instantly cozy about curling up with a warm cup of spiced cider on a chilly day. This Easy Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe captures those warm, comforting flavors perfectly with just a handful of ingredients, making it ideal for a quick and inviting treat any time you want to feel that autumnal magic.

Two clear glass mugs filled with warm light brown liquid each have a cinnamon stick placed vertically inside. One mug also has a thin lemon slice floating on top, adding a pale yellow layer against the light brown drink. Both mugs sit on a brown wooden surface, next to a light brown pinecone decorated with white edges and a small light blue leaf. A small part of a bright orange fruit is visible at the bottom right corner. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe has become a staple for me during the colder months because it’s not just simple, it’s packed with real, fresh flavors that feel homemade without any fuss. I love how easily it fills the kitchen with the scent of cinnamon, orange, and ginger — it truly feels like a warm hug in a mug.

Simplicity: With just six ingredients and minimal prep, it’s wonderful for making on busy mornings or as an evening treat.
Freshness: Using fresh ginger and orange slices adds brightness and complexity you won’t get from pre-made mixes.
Customizable warmth: If you like it spicier or sweeter, it’s so easy to tweak to your taste.
All-natural comfort: This recipe uses pure apple cider and real spices, which means it’s full of wholesome goodness without artificial flavors.

Two clear glass mugs filled with warm brown liquid topped with half lemon slices and cinnamon sticks lie on a white marbled surface that looks like a wooden table. One woman's hand with mauve nail polish holds the left mug by its handle from above, and another woman's hand with light skin and a small tattoo gently grips the right mug handle from the side. Around the mugs, there are light brown pinecones with white tips, cinnamon sticks piled together, lemon slices, and one whole orange. The whole scene looks cozy and warm. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Easy Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe serves a purpose, blending to create a warming drink that’s both flavorful and comforting. When I shop for these ingredients, I look for fresh, aromatic spices and quality apple cider to make sure the final drink tastes just right.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden apple cider, two fresh orange slices with bright peels and juicy interiors, two cinnamon sticks with rough textured bark, a thin piece of fresh ginger peeled and sliced showing pale yellow inside, a small white ceramic bowl containing amber maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl holding finely ground brown nutmeg powder, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Apple cider: The sweet, tangy base that’s packed with fruity flavor and perfect for simmering.
Orange slices: They add a subtle citrus brightness that balances the sweetness and spices.
Cinnamon sticks: Cinnamon brings that classic warm spice note we all associate with fall and winter warmth.
Fresh ginger: Provides a gentle spiciness and depth, giving the cider a lively kick I adore.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that lends a rich, caramel-like sweetness without overpowering.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of aromatic earthiness that deepens the spice profile beautifully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how adaptable this Easy Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe is. Over time, I’ve enjoyed swapping in a few different ingredients here and there to match my mood or season, and you can too! It’s really about making it feel cozy and personal.

Variation: Some days, I add star anise or a few cloves for a slightly more intense spice blend — it smells amazing and gives a deeper, more festive flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe

Step 1: Gather and prep your ingredients

Start by collecting your apple cider, fresh orange slices, cinnamon sticks, peeled and sliced ginger, maple syrup, and ground nutmeg. I always make sure my ginger is sliced thinly to get the best flavor infusion without overpowering the drink.

Step 2: Simmer the cider and spices

Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan, then add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, ginger slices, maple syrup, and ground nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes until you see the orange slices start to change color — that’s when the flavors really meld. Be careful not to boil it too hard or too long, so you don’t lose that lovely cider volume or develop bitterness.

Step 3: Strain and serve warm

Once the simmering is done, strain the cider through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the solids. Pour the cider into mugs, then add back a cinnamon stick and an orange slice for a pretty garnish and extra aroma. Pour yourself a cup and enjoy!

Top Tip

After making this recipe a few dozen times, I’ve learned a few little tricks that really help the flavors shine and make the process smoother. These tips should save you some trial and error.

Gentle simmer: Keep the heat low once the cider starts simmering — too vigorous and you’ll lose flavor and volume.
Fresh ginger: Always use fresh ginger instead of dried for a brighter and more natural spicy note that’s less harsh.
Maple syrup balance: Add the maple syrup at the start so it melts evenly into the cider; taste afterward to adjust more sweetness if you want.
Straining carefully: Use a fine strainer or cheesecloth to get the smoothest cider without sediment — it really makes the drinking experience better.

How to Serve Easy Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe

spiced hot apple cider - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with an orange slice and cinnamon stick in each mug — it looks beautiful and adds a nice aroma as you sip. Sometimes, for a festive touch, I sprinkle a tiny pinch of freshly grated nutmeg on top or float a star anise pod for extra charm.

Side Dishes

This spiced cider pairs wonderfully with warm biscuits, a slice of cinnamon bread, or even nutty granola bars when you want a warming snack. During holidays, I like serving it alongside freshly baked pumpkin or apple pies for a classic comfort combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve used a big glass pitcher with all the spices floating beautifully and a ladle so guests can serve themselves. Adding cinnamon sticks and orange slices right into the pitcher not only looks festive but keeps the flavors alive. A sprinkle of cranberries around the base of the mugs always gets compliments too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover spiced cider in a sealed glass container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before reheating, give it a quick stir because some spices tend to settle. It still tastes fresh and delicious even after a day or two — perfect if you want to make a batch ahead!

Freezing

Freezing hot apple cider isn’t my go-to since the spices can lose some of their brightness, but if you need to, I recommend freezing it in ice cube trays. Then you can thaw small portions and reheat gently without compromising flavor too much.

Reheating

When reheating leftover cider, do it slowly on the stove or in the microwave on medium power to prevent boiling off the delicate flavors. Adding a fresh cinnamon stick or orange peel when reheating helps revive that fresh, spiced aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use bottled apple juice instead of apple cider?

While you can substitute apple juice, it’s usually sweeter and filtered, so you might lose some authentic flavor. Apple cider is unfiltered and less sweet, which gives this recipe its richness. If you use juice, consider reducing the maple syrup to avoid overpowering sweetness.

How long can I keep the prepared spiced cider?

The spiced cider is best consumed within 3 days when stored in the refrigerator. Be sure to keep it in a sealed container and reheat gently to maintain flavor and warmth.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can combine all ingredients in a slow cooker on low heat and let it warm for 1–2 hours. Just avoid boiling, and it’s great for parties since it stays warm and ready to serve.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes, this recipe is kid-friendly since it contains no alcohol. The mild spices add warmth without being overpowering, making it perfect for cozy family gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s so reliable and comforting. Whether you’re unwinding after a crazy day or hosting friends on a crisp evening, it’s a drink that feels like a warm embrace. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become one of your favorites too.