There is no better way to warm up on a cold day than a mug of this Hot Apple Cider! This version is perfectly spiced with a citrus twist that keeps you coming back for more.
Looking for another take on this Hot Apple Cider? Try my Wassail Recipe!
Just picture it – the family, sitting around the fire on a cold Christmas Eve night, everyone enjoying an nice Hot Apple Cider. It’s pretty much a scene from a Hallmark movie, right? Well, this Hot Apple Cider would definitely make a fantastic addition to your holiday celebrations.
Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions? It’s my mom’s birthday, so we always go out to breakfast for Christmas Eve morning. And then we all get together for cake that night, followed by going to see the city light display where my parents live. And this year, I just may have to add in having this Hot Apple Cider ready for when we get home from the lights. Perfect for the holiday season! And even beyond the holiday season – it is a great way to warm up all winter long!
Ingredients
Technically, you could just warm up some apple cider and call it hot apple cider. But this recipe takes it a step further. And you’re only adding on a few minutes of work for a hot drink that is so delicious. Here is what makes this one special:
- Apple Cider – pick a good one, if you can. I like one that is nice and cloudy, more than just apple juice labeled as cider.
- Lemon Juice – make sure it is freshly squeezed, not from a bottle. It makes a huge difference!
- Orange Juice – again, freshly squeezed for the best results.
- Cinnamon Sticks – these are the whole sticks, and you throw them in whole. They flavor the cider – you won’t actually eat (drink) the cinnamon sticks.
- Lemon Zest – this will flavor the cider. You remove this before serving.
- Orange Zest – same as the lemon above.
- Whole Cloves – Again, these are just to flavor the cider. They do bring a lot of flavor, so don’t skip them. You remove these before serving, as well.
Hot to Make Hot Apple Cider
- Combine all of the ingredients in a large pot.
- Simmer over medium heat until heated through, about 20 minutes.
- To serve, you can ladle the cider into cups, but leave the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and zest in the pot.
If desired, you can add the cider to a slow cooker to keep warm.
More Hot Drinks to Warm You Up
Pumpkin Steamer
Cashew Coconut Hot Chocolate Recipe
Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
Gourmet Hot Chocolate
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Hot Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 1/2 gallon apple cider
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 strip of lemon zest
- 1 strip of orange zest
- 4 whole cloves
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine all of the ingredients.
- Simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes, but do not allow it to boil.
- When ready to serve, ladle the cider into cups or mugs, leaving the cinnamon, zest and cloves in the pot.
- Serve warm.
Mrs. L says
I am so going to make this for my family on Christmas Eve! We have several adults that can’t drink alcohol so this will be something neat for them to imbibe in, thanks!
Monet says
Yum…I can picture it…and taste it too!
Krista {Budget Gourmet Mom} says
That looks and sounds amazing!!!
Kristy says
Oh my. That’s like drinking a pie. Mmmmmm.
Bev Weidner says
Shuuuuut it. Oh goodness. NEED.
Katrina says
Mmm so yummy!
Rosa says
That is a great Xmas drink! What a wonderful combination.
Cheers,
Rosa
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
Butter and cider, together…I’m sold.
Sounds perfect!