Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe Perfect For Any Holiday Gathering

Warm up your Thanksgiving evening with a mug of spiced hot apple cider, a festive drink that's cozy, aromatic, and good for your gut health! Infused with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, this soothing cider offers the perfect balance of holiday flavor and nutrition.

If you’re looking for a flavorful and cozy drink that’s perfect for the season, this hot spiced apple cider recipe is a must-try.

With its rich layers of flavor, this cider is inspired by the warm, comforting recipes I love to create, like my homemade pumpkin pie spice smoothie and gluten-free biscuits.

The blend of sweet apple cider, zesty orange slices, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves makes it an irresistible addition to any holiday menu. This hot spiced apple cider is more than just a holiday drink—it's a comforting ritual that embodies the warmth and cheer of the season.

Each sip delivers a symphony of flavors, from the rich sweetness of apple cider to the earthy, aromatic spices of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. With its blend of tradition, health benefits, and vibrant flavors, this recipe is one you'll revisit again and again throughout the colder months.

Jump to:

• 💖 Why You'll Love This Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe?
• 🥣 Key Ingredients For Hot Spiced Apple Cider
• 👩‍🍳 Directions For Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe
• 🩺 Health Benefits of This Apple Cider Recipe For Gut Health
• 🧡 Learn to Make a Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe
• 📖 Recipe
• ✨ Pro Nutrition Tip:
• 💙 Substitutions
• 🍴 Variations
• 🍴 Serving Suggestions
• ❄️ Storage
• 🤔 ⁉️ FAQ - Common Questions
• 😀 Enjoy This Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe!
• ❤️ You Might Also Love These
• 🤲 Pairing
• Get my Healthy Holidays eBook!
• 💬 Comments

🥣 Key Ingredients For Hot Spiced Apple Cider

The addition of orange slices introduces a subtle citrusy tang, perfectly balanced by the natural sweetness of maple syrup.

As you warm your hands around a steaming mug, you're also nourishing your body with ingredients that promote digestion, immune support, and overall wellness.

1. Apple Cider - We’re using apple cider as the base for this recipe because it provides a naturally sweet, fruity flavor packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients that support overall wellness.
2. Cinnamon Sticks - Cinnamon sticks are used in this recipe for their warming, aromatic flavor, as well as their ability to support digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels.
3. Cloves - Included for their aromatic, slightly sweet flavor and their powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which support immune health and promote digestion.
4. Nutmeg - Nutmeg is added to this recipe for its rich, spicy flavor and its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe the digestive system.
5. Orange - Adds a refreshing citrusy brightness to the cider, while providing a boost of vitamin C to support immune function.
6. Maple Syrup - Used to naturally sweeten the cider, offering a rich, caramel-like flavor while providing essential minerals like manganese and zinc.
7. Vanilla Extract - Added to enhance the warmth and depth of flavor in the cider, while also offering antioxidant properties that support overall health.
8. Star Anise (Optional) - This added another layer of flavor dimension to the recipe but is totally optional.

See the recipe card for quantities.

👩‍🍳 Directions For Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe

Whether you're enjoying it as a soothing solo treat or sharing it with loved ones at your Thanksgiving table, this cider recipe promises to be the star of your holiday beverage lineup.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

In a large pot, combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, orange slices, and star anise (if using).

Step 2: Simmer & Infuse The Flavors

Heat over medium heat until the cider begins to simmer, about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Infuse the Flavors

Lower the heat and let it steep for an additional 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Strain out the spices and orange slices if desired.

Step 5: Serve

Serve warm in mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange.

🩺 Health Benefits of This Apple Cider Recipe For Gut Health

This hot spiced apple cider isn’t just a festive treat—it’s packed with ingredients that offer surprising health benefits. From supporting digestion to boosting your immune system, each sip provides more than just warmth and flavor.

Here’s a closer look at the nutritional perks of this cozy drink.

• Cinnamon - Supports gut health by promoting digestion and regulating blood sugar.
• Cloves - Rich in antioxidants, they help combat inflammation and support immune health.
• Orange - A natural source of vitamin C to boost immunity and promote skin health.

🧡 Learn to Make a Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe

Discover just how simple and rewarding it is to create your own hot spiced apple cider recipe at home. With just a few wholesome ingredients and minimal effort, you can craft a cozy, aromatic beverage that fills your home with the warm scents of the season.

📖 Recipe

💙 Substitutions

Here are a few modifications if you have an aversion, food allergy, or simply don't have an ingredient on hand. Also, this recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit different dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

• Apple Cider - Use unsweetened apple juice for a lighter version.
• Sweetener - Replace maple syrup with honey, coconut sugar, or leave it out for a no-sugar option.
• Spices - Add ground ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.
• Orange - Swap with lemon slices for a tangy twist.

Check out my free Healthy Food Swaps Guide for how to swap out different foods if you suffer from food allergies, sensitivities, intolerances, or simply an aversion.

🍴 Variations

Here are a few variations for my spiced hot apple cider recipe.

• Adults Only - Add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum for a festive cocktail.
• No-Alcohol - If you prefer a non-alcohol option but with a similar rum flavor, try Ritual Zero Proof rum alternative.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

• Pair with your favorite gluten-free biscuits, apple crisp, caramel flan, or holiday cookies for a cozy snack.
• Serve in heat-safe glasses with cinnamon sticks as stirrers for a decorative touch.
• Perfect as a welcome drink at Thanksgiving dinner or holiday parties.

❄️ Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftover cider in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

Freezer: Pour cooled cider into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Feel free to double the recipe if you have a larger family or want extras.

🤔 ⁉️ FAQ - Common Questions

😀 Enjoy This Spiced Hot Apple Cider Recipe!

Enjoy this spiced hot apple cider recipe as a flavorful and nourishing addition to your holiday festivities.

I hope you guys love this recipe! If you make it, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And if you post to Instagram, I repost your remakes of your creations on my IG stories!

I would also love to hear what you think, or take a photo and tag me @EatYourNutrition on Instagram. I love seeing your photos. #EatYourNutrition #LauraVillanueva

❤️ You Might Also Love These

Looking for other apple recipes like this? Try these:

🤲 Pairing

These are my favorite recipes to serve with this apple cider recipe:

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