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5 Simple and Cozy Hot Cider Recipes to Warm Up Your Fall: Easy to Make, Perfect for Any Occasion

There’s just something about hot cider that feels like a hug in a mug. It’s rustic, simple, and has that unmistakable aroma that lets everyone know fall has officially arrived. Around here, I like to play with the flavors a bit, sometimes sticking to tradition, sometimes adding a twist. Below are five cider recipes, each with its own personality, so you can keep your mugs filled and your kitchen smelling heavenly all season long.

1. Classic Spiced Apple Cider

Ingredients

• 1 gallon apple cider

• 3 cinnamon sticks

• 6 whole cloves

• 2 star anise pods

• 1 orange, sliced into rounds

Directions

1. Pour cider into a large pot.

2. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange slices.

3. Simmer on low heat for 20–30 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse.

4. Strain before serving if desired. Ladle into mugs and enjoy.

2. Maple Bourbon Cider

Ingredients

• 1 quart apple cider

• 3 tbsp pure maple syrup

• 1-2 oz bourbon (per serving, optional)

• Pinch of ground nutmeg

• Cinnamon stick for garnish

Directions

1. Warm cider in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Stir in maple syrup and a pinch of nutmeg.

3. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.

4. Pour into mugs and add bourbon if desired. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

3. Ginger Pear Cider

Ingredients

• 1 quart apple cider

• 2 cups pear juice

• 3-4 slices fresh ginger

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for added sweetness)

Directions

1. Combine cider, pear juice, ginger, and cinnamon in a pot.

2. Simmer on low heat for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Taste and sweeten with honey if desired.

4. Remove ginger before serving. Serve warm in mugs.

I created a cold foam topping for this cider recipe. If you are like me and love a creamy topping to your cider, this one is very decadent, but it can also be adapted to whatever cider flavors you have created. This combo pairs well with the apple and pear flavors and so it has become one of my favorites.

Ginger Pear Cider with Toffee, Vanilla, Cardamom and Ginger Cold Foam

Ingredients

For the Cider

• 1 quart apple cider

• 2 cups pear juice

• 3-4 slices fresh ginger

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

For the Cold Foam

• 1/2 cup organic heavy cream, very cold (half and half for a lighter foam)

• 6-10 drops NOW brand Better Stevia Toffee flavored sweetener drops (to taste)

• 5-8 drops NOW brand Better Stevia Vanilla flavored sweetener drops (to taste)

• 1/8 tsp ground cardamom

• 1/8 tsp ground ginger (or a pinch more if you like bold flavor)

Directions

Make the Cider

1. In a large saucepan, combine apple cider, pear juice, fresh ginger slices, and cinnamon sticks.

2. Simmer gently over low heat for about 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.

3. Taste and stir in honey if you want added sweetness. Keep warm while you prepare the cold foam.

Make the Cold Foam

1. In a chilled mixing bowl or with a handheld frother, pour in the organic cream.

2. Add the toffee and vanilla stevia drops, cardamom, and ginger.

3. Whip with a milk frother or whisk until the cream thickens and forms a silky foam.

Assemble

1. Pour the hot Ginger Pear Cider into mugs.

2. Spoon the Toffee Vanilla Cardamom Ginger Cold Foam generously over the top.

3. Garnish with a light sprinkle of cardamom or cinnamon

4. Cranberry Orange Holiday Cider

Ingredients

• 1 quart apple cider

• 1 cup fresh cranberries

• Peel from 1 orange (use a vegetable peeler)

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 4 whole cloves

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, combine apple cider, cranberries, orange peel, cinnamon, and cloves.

2. Simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, until cranberries begin to pop.

3. Strain or leave the fruit floating for a festive look.

4. Serve hot in mugs, garnished with an orange slice

5. Cherry Apple Cider

Ingredients

• 1 quart apple cider

• 2 cups cherry juice (unsweetened if possible)

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 3 whole cloves

• 1–2 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, depending on sweetness of the juice)

Directions

1. Pour cider and cherry juice into a large pot.

2. Add cinnamon stick and cloves.

3. Simmer over low heat for 20–25 minutes.

4. Sweeten with honey or sugar if desired.

5. Serve hot, garnished with a fresh cherry or apple slice.

Bringing It All Together

Whether you like your cider classic and simple or dressed up with a splash of bourbon, there’s a version here to suit every mood. I love making a big pot on the stove and letting it simmer, it doubles as a natural air freshener for the whole house. And the best part? Each of these recipes is just as happy in a slow cooker, keeping warm for gatherings, game nights, or just because it’s Tuesday and you deserve it.

As always, happy sipping friends and may your mugs always be full this season.

Jennifer

We have a fun and whimsical line of Fall Mugs on the website in our Fall Collection, feel free to check them out! I am continuously adding to the collection as I create more items. Click on the Witch above for more details...