This easy recipe for Spiked Hot Apple Cider is perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas! Made with cinnamon sticks, star anise, clove, allspice, fresh oranges and a spiced rum to warm you right up!
Oh my goodness you guys. I feel like this past week I could barely keep my eyes open. Even now as I’m typing they are burning. Now, I know that I have a 10 month old so I’m still in that “tired mom” phase. It is a stage and this too shall pass, but in the meantime, mama needs a treat. Enter this cozy hot apple cider.
Around the holidays my mom was known for her hot cider. In the morning she’d throw in her spices and citrus and let it cook on the stove all day. By the time company came over the cider was ready and believe me when I say it was gone by the end of the night. When I think holidays and family, this drink comes to mind. It’s also one of my go-to recipes when I need a pick-me-up that’s super easy to make. Trust me when I say, it’ll warm you right up!
Why You’ll Love This Spiked Apple Cider Recipe
Simple. Just add the ingredients (except alcohol) to a big pot and let it simmer. If I can make this when I’m half asleep that means you can totally do it too.
Pantry staples. All of the ingredients in this mulled cider recipe can be found at the regular grocery store. You probably already have most of what you need in your pantry.
Incredible flavor. You taste the star anise, the cinnamon and cloves and of course the rum warms your tummy right up. It’s comforting and delicious! Nothing better than that.
Perfect for parties. This recipe makes enough for 16, so it’s a great party cocktail.
Can be made with or without alcohol. When my mom would make hot cider, she made the kid friendly version. (a.k.a. no daddy juice — err liquor) and I have that recipe on my site here –> Crock Pot Apple Cider. But this version is for the mommy’s and daddy’s so it has a little kick!
hot spiked mulled apple cider in a big dutch oven pot
What Is Mulled Hot Apple Cider?
Hot apple cider – sometimes called “mulled apple cider” – is cider that is heated up with citrus and spices. It’s simmered on the stove or in a crock pot for a couple hours to let all the flavor combine. The finished drink has a “spiced” taste to it, which is where the “mulled” comes in. “Mulled” means to heat something up with spices. It’s usually served hot and is freakin delicious!
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side view of hot spiked mulled apple cider in cups with cinnamon sticks
How To Make Hot Spiked Apple Cider
This recipe is so simple it only has three steps. Here’s how to make it:
Add apple juice, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, allspice and ginger to a large saucepan.
Bring to a boil and let simmer for 2-3 hours.
To make it “spiked” add in rum, brandy or bourbon and simmer an additional 10 minutes.
Easy peasy! Literally you throw everything into the hot tub and forget about it. That’s part of the reason I love this recipe so much.
Cheers friends and Happy Thanksgiving!
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