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Hot Apple Cider with Cinnamon Sticks Recipe
Craft a cozy mug of hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks using fresh apples, citrus and warm spices in just 30 minutes.
Cozy Hot Apple Cider with Cinnamon Stick Garnish is a warming, non-alcoholic beverage prepared by gently simmering fresh apple cider with aromatic spices—most commonly whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and a hint of citrus such as orange peel—then lightly sweetening to taste with brown sugar or maple syrup. The resulting drink is strained to achieve a clear, amber-hued liquid and poured piping hot into mugs, each serving finished with a cinnamon stick that doubles as both garnish and subtle flavor enhancer. Traditionally enjoyed during the cooler months of autumn and winter, this cider is a staple at seasonal gatherings, holiday celebrations, and cozy evenings at home, offering a fragrant, spiced alternative to coffee or tea.
Hot Apple Cider with Cinnamon Sticks Recipe
Ready in less than 20 minutes, this stovetop cider leans on everyday pantry spices and store-bought juice, so no special equipment—or experience—is required. Make a single mug for a quiet night in or scale up for a thermos-full at your next fall tailgate; any leftovers chill beautifully for an iced version tomorrow.
Prep Time
5 minutes
5 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
25 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
30 minutes
Ingredients
Unfiltered apple cider (8 cups)
- Cinnamon sticks (2, plus extra for garnish)
- Apples, cored and sliced (2 medium)
- Orange, sliced into rounds (1 medium)
- Whole cloves (4)
- Whole allspice berries (3)
- Star anise pods (2)
- Brown sugar or pure maple syrup (2 tbsp)
- Freshly grated nutmeg (⅛ tsp)
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tbsp, optional)
- Dark rum or bourbon (¼ cup, optional)
- Whipped cream (as desired, optional)
- Caramel sauce (1 tbsp, optional)
Method
Place a large saucepan on the stove
- Pour the apple cider into the pan
- Add the cinnamon sticks to the cider
- Add whole cloves and star anise to the pan
- Slice an orange into rounds and add the slices to the cider
- Turn the burner to medium heat
- Heat until the cider just starts to steam
- Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer
- Simmer for about 20 minutes so the flavors infuse
- Taste the cider and stir in maple syrup if you want extra sweetness
- Turn off the heat
- Remove and discard the spices and orange slices with a slotted spoon
- Ladle the hot cider into mugs
- Garnish each mug with a fresh cinnamon stick
- Serve immediately while hot
Nutrition (whole recipe)
Calories
1546 kcal Protein
2 g Fat
6 g Carbs
344 g Fiber
16 g Sugar
280 g
1546 kcal Protein
2 g Fat
6 g Carbs
344 g Fiber
16 g Sugar
280 g
Notes
For deeper flavor, swap half the cider for cloudy, unfiltered apple juice—its natural pulp gives the drink extra body. A single star anise or thin slice of fresh ginger dropped in with the spices adds subtle complexity without overpowering the cinnamon. If you’re serving a crowd, keep the finished cider on the lowest slow-cooker setting so guests can self-serve without losing heat or aromatics.
why this recipe
There’s a comforting magic in a steaming mug of hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks that instantly evokes crackling fireplaces and crisp autumn evenings, and this recipe captures that charm with exceptional depth of flavor. By slowly simmering fresh apple juice with whole spices and finishing it with a fragrant cinnamon-stick garnish, it coaxes out layers of sweetness, gentle heat, and mellow spice that store-bought versions simply can’t match. The balance of tart fruit and warm aromatics is soothing yet invigorating, making every sip feel like a cozy embrace. Easy to prepare, naturally sweetened, and wonderfully aromatic, it’s the perfect drink to anchor any gathering or solo moment of seasonal indulgence.
FAQs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the hot apple cider ahead of time and reheat it later without losing flavor?
Yes—this cider actually improves if it sits for a few hours (or up to 3 days, refrigerated) because the spices continue to infuse. Cool it quickly, strain out the spices and fruit, then store in an airtight container; reheat gently over low heat or in a slow cooker to preserve the aromatics. Refresh each mug with a new cinnamon-stick garnish just before serving.
Can I substitute bottled apple juice for fresh apple cider, and how will it affect the flavor?
Yes—bottled apple juice works, but expect a cleaner, lighter flavor because it’s usually filtered and has less natural tartness and body than fresh cider. Simmering it a few extra minutes with the spices (or adding a splash of lemon juice or unfiltered juice) will help restore some depth and nuanced apple character.
Can I use ground spices in place of the whole cinnamon, cloves, and allspice?
Yes, but use them sparingly—about ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon, a pinch each of ground cloves and allspice, and a tiny pinch of star anise (if available) for the full batch—because ground spices release flavor faster and can easily overpower the cider. Expect a slightly cloudier drink and some sediment; if you prefer a clearer presentation, let the cider rest for a minute, then pour it through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth before serving.