Name: Warm Spiced Apple Cider Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups apple cider; 2 slices of orange; 2 cinnamon sticks; 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

There’s something deeply comforting about a good cup of cider simmering away on a chilly day. This Warm Spiced Apple Cider Recipe is my go-to when I want a cozy pick-me-up that wraps you in the essence of autumn with every sip.

The image shows two clear glass mugs filled with warm brownish-orange liquid, each topped with a whole cinnamon stick and a round lemon slice resting on the surface. The mugs have clear handles and sit on a dark wooden surface with a white pine cone with frosted tips placed nearby, adding a cozy, autumn feel. A small part of an orange with a clove stuck into its skin is visible in the corner. The overall scene has warm lighting and a festive mood. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Warm Spiced Apple Cider Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Warm Spiced Apple Cider Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Warm Spiced Apple Cider Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t resist how this Warm Spiced Apple Cider Recipe fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma the minute it starts simmering. It’s a simple recipe, but one that feels like a warm hug on a cool day—and trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it over and over.

Easy to make: Just toss the ingredients in a saucepan, simmer, and you’re done—no fancy tricks needed.
Uses wholesome, pantry-friendly ingredients: You likely already have these spices and cider on hand, making it ideal for last-minute cozy moments.
Perfect balance of flavors: The combination of cinnamon, fresh ginger, nutmeg, and maple syrup brightened with orange slices creates a beautiful, nuanced drink.
Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a quiet night in, a holiday gathering, or Sunday brunch, this cider fits right in.

Two clear glass mugs filled with a light brown drink sit on a white marbled surface. Each drink has one floating cinnamon stick and a lemon slice on top. A woman's hand holds the handle of each mug from opposite sides of the image. Around the mugs are whole cinnamon sticks, pinecones dusted with white tips, lemon slices, and a whole lemon, all placed on the white marbled surface, creating a warm, cozy scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Warm Spiced Apple Cider Recipe plays a special role, bringing layers of warmth and brightness. When you get them right, the cider comes alive with cozy spice and tangy sweetness.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden apple cider, two bright orange slices with visible juicy segments, two warm brown cinnamon sticks, a thin inch piece of fresh peeled ginger sliced into rounds, a small white bowl containing amber maple syrup, a small white bowl with light brown ground nutmeg powder, all arranged in perfect symmetry placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Apple cider: This is your base and the star—choose a fresh, quality cider for the best flavor.
Orange slices: Adds a citrusy brightness that cuts through the sweetness and warms up as it simmers.
Cinnamon sticks: Essential for that classic spiced note; avoid pre-ground cinnamon for a more vibrant flavor.
Fresh ginger: Gives a subtle zing and depth; peeling and slicing it thin really helps infuse the cider.
Maple syrup: Sweetens naturally with a rich, woodsy note that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Ground nutmeg: A pinch adds warmth and complexity without overpowering the other flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love to tweak this Warm Spiced Apple Cider Recipe depending on the mood or who I’m sharing it with. Maybe a little extra ginger if I want a zing, or a splash of bourbon for a grown-up twist. Don't hesitate to make it your own.

Variation: Once, I experimented by adding star anise and allspice—my family couldn’t get enough of that extra layer of spice warming their hands and hearts.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Warm Spiced Apple Cider Recipe

Step 1: Gather and prep your ingredients

Start by assembling your apple cider, fresh ginger peeled and sliced, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, maple syrup, and ground nutmeg. I find prepping everything first makes the process smooth, especially if you’re eager to get this cider brewing quickly.

Step 2: Simmer gently and smell the magic happen

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat. Let it simmer slowly for 5 to 10 minutes. You want to catch the moment the orange slices start coloring the cider, releasing that gorgeous citrus aroma without evaporating too much liquid. Stir occasionally but don’t rush the process—this is where the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Strain and serve warm

Once simmered, strain the cider through a fine strainer or cheesecloth to catch the spices and orange pieces. Pour it into mugs and add an orange slice and a cinnamon stick back to each cup—it just feels cozy that way! Serve immediately and enjoy the satisfying warmth.

Top Tip

After making this Warm Spiced Apple Cider Recipe dozens of times, I've learned a few tricks that turn good cider into great cider. Trust me, these little adjustments bring out the best in every batch.

Use fresh spices: Cinnamon sticks and fresh ginger give such a brighter, cleaner flavor compared to ground versions or pre-packaged mixes.
Don’t boil vigorously: Simmer gently—too hard and you’ll lose those delicate citrus and spice aromas.
Adjust sweetness last: Maple syrup can vary in strength, so taste before adding more to hit your perfect balance.
Serve fresh: Warm cider is best enjoyed right away; holding it too long can dull the spices and freshness.

How to Serve Warm Spiced Apple Cider Recipe

Garnishes

I always go for a slice of fresh orange and a cinnamon stick in each mug—not only does it look stunning, but it also lets you stir in a bit more spice as you sip. Sometimes I throw in a star anise for an extra aromatic touch or a few whole cloves stuck into the orange slice for a little flair.

Side Dishes

This cider pairs wonderfully with spiced baked goods. Think cinnamon rolls, ginger cookies, or even a slice of pumpkin bread. One chilly afternoon, I enjoyed it alongside toasted pecan scones—couldn’t have asked for a more perfect combination.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like serving the cider in clear glass mugs to showcase its rich, amber color. Adding a cinnamon stick tied with a festive ribbon or a whole star anise floating on top adds that extra-special vibe. You can even set up a “cider bar” with toppings like whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or a splash of spiced rum for guests to customize.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, I store the cider in a sealed glass container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy more, just give it a gentle stir before reheating to redistribute the spices and sweetness.

Freezing

Freezing warm spiced cider isn’t my favorite option because it can lose some of the fresh flavors and texture. But if you’re in a pinch, freeze it in ice cube trays. That way, you can thaw small portions and quickly heat a mug whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

I find reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave on low keeps the flavors intact. Be careful not to overheat—it should be warm enough to enjoy without boiling to avoid evaporating the cider or dulling the spices.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?

You can substitute apple juice, but keep in mind apple cider typically has a more robust, fresh-pressed flavor, which adds depth to this recipe. If using apple juice, you might want to adjust the sweetness by reducing the maple syrup slightly.

How spicy is this Warm Spiced Apple Cider Recipe?

This recipe balances warm spices without being overpowering, making it enjoyable for nearly everyone. If you want more spice, feel free to add extra ginger or cinnamon sticks to taste while simmering.

Can I prepare this cider in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 1-2 hours. This is a hands-off method that lets the flavors mingle slowly, though I still recommend straining before serving.

Is maple syrup necessary?

Maple syrup adds a subtle, natural sweetness and a rich undertone. You can substitute it with honey or brown sugar if needed, but I love the depth maple syrup brings to the overall flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Warm Spiced Apple Cider Recipe isn’t just a drink; it’s a little ritual of warmth and comfort I look forward to whenever the weather cools down. It’s simple, flavorful, and ever so inviting. Cozy up with this in your favorite mug, share it with friends, and let the fragrant spices brighten your day just like it does mine.