Name: Homemade Spiced Apple Cider
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1 gallon fresh apple cider; ½ of an orange, (sliced); 1 honeycrisp apple, (peeled, cored, and quartered); ¼ cup light brown sugar, (optional); 1 ½ Tablespoons whole allspice; 1 ½ Tablespoons whole cloves; 1 ½ Tablespoons cinnamon chunks

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Cozy, warming, and everyone’s favorite Fall drink…Homemade Spiced Apple Cider! Simply the best drink to enjoy on these chilly Fall days ahead. Fresh apple cider, orange slices, a honeycrisp apple, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves simmered together to create the ultimate and most flavorful cider. Every sip tastes like Fall! Enjoy on chilly weeknights, while you’re decorating for the holiday’s, or simply when you have friends and family over. There is no better crowd-pleasing drink to make! Simply delicious.

angled shot of glass mug of apple cider on marble surface with two mugs and a punch bowl behind.

About The Recipe

I think everyone has fond memories of apple cider. It’s just one of those cozy drinks that everyone loves! Especially during the holiday season.

My mom used to make this cider all Fall and Winter long when I was younger. It always made the house smell so good. Though, as I got older, my mom let me start taking over and taught me how to make it! It’s really so simple, but so delicious.

pulled back shot of apple cider in glass mugs with apple slices and cinnamon stick in front mug, punch bowl, small pinecone, fairy lights, and brown twine behind.

overhead shot of three mugs of cider and the punch bowl with fresh cranberries, cinnamon chunks, and white flowers around.

Over the years, I’ve slowly been tweaking the recipe to give it a little extra flavor. I’ve noticed that not all apple ciders are made equal, which is what really inspired me to start looking for other things to really bring out all the wonderful flavors in the cider.

The first thing I did was change the spice mix. I found that simpler is a bit better and less overwhelming on the palate.

Then, I added oranges and fresh apples. This REALLY helped bring out more flavor. Though, the real secret is letting this cider simmer for about 1 hour, then just letting it sit. The longer it sits, the more flavor it has!

close up of glass mug of cider with two mugs and glass punch bowl behind.

Every sip is that perfect balance between sweetness and spice. It just warms you right up!

Whether you have a party with a crowd to please or just want something to enjoy on cold fall or winter days, this spiced apple cider is sure to be your new go-to!

What’s The Difference Between Apple Cider and Apple Juice?

Apple juice is made from fresh apples that have been pressed, filtered, and sweetened. Whereas, Apple Cider is raw, unfiltered, and not sweetened.

They’re very different and for this recipe, you will need apple cider.

Reasons You Will Love This Spiced Apple Cider

Cozy, warming, and delicious!
Can be made alcoholic, if desired.
A crowd pleaser.
Full of flavor.
Not too sweet.
Can also be made in the instant pot!

three glass mugs of cider with punch bowl behind and fresh cranberries around on marble surface.

Equipment Needed

Ingredients

(Full ingredient amounts and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post)

Fresh Apple Cider
Half of an Orange
Honeycrisp Apple
Light Brown Sugar
Whole Allspice
Whole Cloves
Cinnamon Chunks

apple cider, orange slices, chunks of apple, cinnamon chunks, apple spice, cloves, and brown sugar on marble surface.

How To Make Spiced Apple Cider

Step 1: Simmer

Combine all ingredients into a 4 quart stock pot. Simmer over medium-low heat for one hour.

cider, orange slices, apple chunks, and whole spices in large stock pot.

Step 2: Serve

Strain into mugs and serve immediately!

How To Store

Once this cider is cool, you can strain it back into the gallon that the cider was originally in or place in an airtight container. Place in the fridge and it should keep for about 7-9 days. To reheat, you can place in a microwave-safe mug and heat for 1 minute, stirring well after 30 seconds. You can also reheat this cider in a pot on the stove!

Substitutions

You can really use any apple you like! I used honeycrisp, as that’s one of my favorites, but Fuji apples and Granny Smith apples both work well.
A pre-made mulling spice blend can be used.

Looking for more recipes like this? Here are a few you may like: Apple Cider Bourbon Fizz, Creamy Hot Chocolate, Homemade Southern Eggnog, Classic Hot Toddy, Orange Champagne Cocktail

close up of apple cider in glass mug with slices of apple and cinnamon stick inside glass mug.

Expert Tips

Depending on the natural sweetness of your cider, you may or may not need the brown sugar. If you’re unsure, leave out the brown sugar and let the cider simmer for about 30 minutes. Taste. If the cider has a sour or bitter flavor, add the brown sugar. If the cider tastes sweet enough, don’t worry about adding it to the cider!
Be sure that your spices are in-date and whole! You cannot use ground spices for this recipe.
This recipe can also be made in your slow-cooker or instant pot.
Be sure to strain the cider before serving.
Do NOT let this cider boil! Just a light simmer is all it needs.
After cooking for an hour, turn the cider off. The longer you leave it, the more flavor it will develop, but it can be served immediately.

When you make this Homemade Spiced Apple Cider, leave a comment down below! We love hearing from you and answering any questions you might have! Also, be sure to tag us on social media and hashtag it #BakersTable.