Spiced apple cider is more than just a seasonal drink—it’s a story in a glass, and here at Recipeslace: Your Ultimate Destination for Delicious and Healthy Recipes, we’ve crafted a version that’s both comforting and celebratory.
At Recipeslace, we believe food should be flavorful, nourishing, and fun to make. That’s why this spiced apple cider recipe is designed for every kind of home cook—whether you’re a seasoned pro looking to impress holiday guests or just starting your culinary journey. With a few fresh ingredients and simple steps, you’ll create a drink that feels like autumn wrapped in warmth.
Infused with cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, and fresh ginger, our cider blends classic holiday spices with a bright splash of orange liqueur. Top it with champagne, prosecco, or sparkling apple cider, and you’ve got the perfect balance of cozy and bubbly. Serve it hot by the fire, chilled at a fall gathering, or even as a non-alcoholic mocktail—this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.
Recipeslace is here to inspire you—one recipe, one story, and one sip at a time.
This spiced apple cider recipe combines apple cider, warm spices, fresh ginger, and orange liqueur, finished with sparkling wine or cider. Serve hot or cold for a festive, cozy, and versatile holiday drink everyone will love.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What is Spiced Apple Cider?
Spiced apple cider recipe is a traditional fall and winter beverage made by simmering fresh apple cider with warming spices like cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, and ginger. Unlike plain apple cider, which is simply pressed apples, the spiced version transforms into something richer, aromatic, and deeply comforting.
This drink has roots in festive gatherings, from harvest celebrations to holiday parties, because it captures the cozy flavours of the season. Depending on preference, it can be served piping hot for a soothing nightcap or chilled and topped with bubbles for a refreshing twist. Spiced apple cider also adapts beautifully to different occasions—it can be made non-alcoholic for family-friendly gatherings or dressed up with liqueurs for an elegant cocktail. With every sip, you’ll taste layers of fruit, spice, and warmth that define the magic of autumn.
Why You’ll Love This Spiced Apple Cider
There’s a reason spiced apple cider recipe never goes out of style—it’s more than a drink, it’s an experience. From the very first sip, you’ll notice how the natural sweetness of apple cider blends seamlessly with cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, and ginger to create a warm, fragrant flavour that feels like autumn in a cup.
One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility. Hosting a holiday party? Add champagne or prosecco for a sparkling cocktail that guests will adore. Need a family-friendly version? Swap in sparkling apple cider for a festive mocktail that kids and adults alike can enjoy. Whether served hot by the fireplace or chilled over ice, it adapts to any setting.
At Recipeslace, we focus on recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. This spiced apple cider can be made ahead, stored in the fridge, and even customised with substitutions—making it the perfect balance of cozy tradition and modern convenience. Pair it with holiday desserts, enjoy it as a warming nightcap, or serve it at your next dinner party—it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy spiced apple cider recipe. Simple, seasonal ingredients come together to create big flavour.
| Ingredient | Amount | Substitution Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Cider | ½ gallon (≈ 8 cups / 1.9 L) | Use unfiltered apple juice if cider isn’t available |
| Cinnamon Sticks | 3 | 1 tsp ground cinnamon (add during simmering) |
| Cardamom Pods | 5 | ¼ tsp ground cardamom or skip if unavailable |
| Star Anise | 3 | ½ tsp anise seed or fennel seed |
| Fresh Ginger | 1 large (3–4 inch), peeled & sliced | ½ tsp ground ginger |
| Cointreau (orange liqueur) | ¼ cup (60 ml) | Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, or fresh orange juice (non-alcoholic) |
| Sliced Apples | For garnish | Pear slices or citrus wheels |
| Sparkling Beverage (for serving) | Champagne, Prosecco, or sparkling cider | Sparkling water or ginger ale for non-alcoholic version |
👉 Tip: For a sugar-free or kid-friendly version, skip the liqueur and top with sparkling apple cider or seltzer just before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this spiced apple cider recipe is simple, but the results taste like something straight out of a festive holiday market. With about 20 minutes of prep and simmering, you’ll have the perfect batch every time.
1. Simmer the Base (5 minutes)
In a large pot over medium-high heat, pour in 4 cups of apple cider. Add the cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, star anise, and sliced ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—not a rolling boil—so the flavours infuse slowly without evaporating too much liquid.
Tip: If your cider tastes too sharp, stir in 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
2. Reduce & Infuse (15 minutes)
Let the spiced cider simmer for about 15 minutes until it reduces by half (about 2 cups). The aroma should be warm, spicy, and fragrant—filling your kitchen with holiday cheer.
Troubleshooting: If the liquid reduces too quickly, lower the heat and cover the pot slightly.
3. Strain & Combine (2 minutes)
Remove from heat and strain out the spices and ginger. (Save the cinnamon sticks, ginger slices, and star anise for garnish.) Pour the reduced cider into a large pitcher, then stir in the remaining apple cider and Cointreau until combined.
For a non-alcoholic version, use fresh orange juice instead of Cointreau.
4. Chill or Serve Warm (flexible)
- To serve chilled: refrigerate the cider for at least 1 hour.
- To serve warm: keep the cider in a slow cooker on “low” or gently reheat before serving.
5. Serve & Sparkle (2 minutes)
Fill a tall glass ¾ full with the spiced cider mixture. Top with prosecco, champagne, or sparkling apple cider for bubbles. Garnish with apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or ginger for a beautiful finish.
Enjoy this spiced apple cider as a festive holiday drink, cozy fall cocktail, or family-friendly punch bowl centrepiece!
Variations & Serving Ideas
One of the best things about spiced apple cider is how versatile it can be. With just a few tweaks, you can create versions to suit every occasion and every guest at your table.
Holiday Cocktail: Add a splash of bourbon or dark rum for a richer, boozier profile. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
Mocktail Version: Skip the liqueur and top with sparkling apple cider or ginger ale. Kids love the fizz, and it keeps the drink festive without alcohol.
Citrus Twist: Swap the orange liqueur for fresh orange or lemon juice. It brightens the flavours and pairs beautifully with brunch.
Spiced Sangria: Mix the chilled cider base with white wine and sliced fruit for a fall-inspired apple cider sangria.
Apple Cider Beer Shandy: Blend the spiced cider base with a light beer for a bubbly, refreshing twist that adventurous guests will enjoy.
Hot & Cozy: Serve warm in mugs with a cinnamon stick stirrer—ideal for chilly nights or after outdoor activities.
When it comes to serving, presentation makes all the difference. Garnish with apple slices, citrus wheels, or even sugared cranberries for a seasonal touch. Pair with desserts like Lemon Icebox Pie or Christmas Crack for a crowd-pleasing spread. Whether you’re celebrating, entertaining, or just unwinding, this spiced apple cider recipe fits the mood perfectly.
Storage & Make-Ahead
One of the biggest advantages of this spiced apple cider recipe is how well it stores, making it the ideal holiday drink for parties and busy fall schedules. You can prepare the base in advance and keep it ready for whenever you need a cozy or sparkling refreshment.
Refrigerator Storage: After straining out the spices, store the cider mixture in a clean glass jar or airtight pitcher in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavours actually deepen over time, so it tastes even better the next day.
Freezer Option: For longer storage, freeze the cooled cider in an ice cube tray or freezer-safe container. It will last up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently before serving.
Reheating: Warm the cider on the stovetop over low heat or in a slow cooker set to “keep warm.” Avoid boiling, as it can dull the flavours.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the spiced cider base the night before your gathering. On the day of serving, simply stir in the liqueur (or orange juice for non-alcoholic), top with bubbles, and garnish.
👉 Food safety note: Always use airtight containers and refrigerate promptly to keep the cider fresh.
This make-ahead flexibility ensures your hosting is stress-free and your drinks taste just as festive as when first made. Serve it alongside holiday treats, such as a banana bread latte recipe, for the perfect seasonal pairing.
Spiced Apple Cider Recipe – Warm, Cozy, and Easy to Make
Equipment
- Large pot or saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Pitcher or glass jug
- Serving glasses
Ingredients
- ½ gallon apple cider
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 5 cardamom pods
- 3 star anise
- 1 large 3–4 inch knob fresh ginger peeled and sliced thin
- ¼ cup Cointreau or any orange liqueur
- 1 –2 sliced apples for garnish
- Sparkling beverage of choice champagne, prosecco, or sparkling cider
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine 4 cups of apple cider with cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, star anise, and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
- Simmer for 15 minutes until reduced by half (about 2 cups). The kitchen should smell fragrant.
- Strain out the spices and ginger (reserve for garnish if desired).
- Add the reduced spiced cider to the remaining apple cider in a pitcher. Stir in Cointreau. Chill if serving cold.
- To serve, fill a glass ¾ with spiced cider and top with champagne, prosecco, or sparkling cider. Garnish with apple slices or cinnamon sticks. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Here’s the approximate nutrition breakdown for this spiced apple cider recipe per 8-oz serving (≈ 1 cup / 240 ml), without champagne or prosecco. Values may vary depending on the brand of cider and substitutions used.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Sugars | 24 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Vitamin C | 6% DV |
| Potassium | 5% DV |
| Glycemic Impact | Moderate–High (due to natural fruit sugars) |
👉 Note: Adding champagne, prosecco, or sparkling cider will slightly increase calories and sugar. For a lighter option, top with sparkling water or unsweetened seltzer.
For health-conscious sippers, consider choosing a no-sugar-added apple cider or balancing this holiday drink with high-fibre snacks. According to Healthline, apple cider retains many beneficial antioxidants from fresh apples—making this beverage not just delicious but also a small boost of seasonal nutrition.
Tested Notes
This spiced apple cider recipe was last retested in our kitchen on September 14, 2025. Each batch was prepared using both alcoholic and non-alcoholic variations to ensure versatility.
Flavour Balance: Simmering the cider for 15 minutes brought out the best infusion of spices without becoming bitter.
Serving Tip: Chilling the base before topping with prosecco created the most refreshing version, while serving warm in mugs gave the coziest experience.
Garnish Matters: A simple apple slice and cinnamon stick elevated the presentation and made the drink feel festive.
dateModified: September 14, 2025
At Recipeslace, we continuously revisit our recipes to refine taste, accuracy, and user-friendliness. This guarantees that when you follow our steps, this spiced apple cider recipe delivers results that are reliable, tested, and worthy of sharing with friends and family.
About the Author
Written by Recipeslace Team
At Recipeslace: Your Ultimate Destination for Delicious and Healthy Recipes, we believe cooking should be joyful, approachable, and nourishing. Our team of passionate home cooks and food lovers tests every recipe with care, ensuring clear instructions, real ingredients, and flavours worth sharing.
Our Promise:
- Easy-to-follow recipes for every skill level
- Nutrition transparency with real ingredient options
- Seasonal inspiration that brings joy back into your kitchen
From quick weeknight meals to festive holiday drinks like this spiced apple cider recipe, Recipeslace is here to guide and inspire you. Whether you’re hosting a party, meal prepping, or simply craving something cozy, you’ll always find reliable recipes that work—tested, retested, and written with love.
All recipes are retested regularly, ensuring accuracy and taste.
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What’s the difference between apple cider and spiced apple cider?
Apple cider is simply unfiltered, unsweetened apple juice, often cloudy in appearance. Spiced apple cider is cider that has been simmered with warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger for a deeper, aromatic flavour.
What spices should I use for apple cider?
The classic blend includes cinnamon sticks, star anise, cardamom, and ginger. Some variations add cloves, nutmeg, or allspice. If you’re short on whole spices, ground versions can be used in smaller amounts.
Is spiced apple cider good for you?
Yes—apple cider contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. However, it can also be high in natural sugars. To make this spiced apple cider recipe lighter, choose no-sugar-added cider or dilute with sparkling water. According to USDA guidelines, apple cider provides small amounts of vitamin C and potassium. (Note: This is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice.)
What does spiced apple cider taste like?
This spiced apple cider recipe tastes fruity, warm, and slightly tangy with layered spice notes. Ginger adds a subtle kick, while the orange liqueur brightens the flavour. Served warm, it feels cozy; served chilled with bubbles, it’s refreshing and festive.
Can I serve spiced apple cider hot or cold?
Absolutely! Warm cider is soothing on chilly nights, while chilled cider topped with champagne or sparkling cider is perfect for parties. Both options taste amazing.
How do I make spiced apple cider non-alcoholic?
Simply skip the liqueur and replace it with fresh orange juice. Top with sparkling apple cider, ginger ale, or soda water for a family-friendly version.
How long does spiced apple cider last?
Stored in an airtight container, the spiced cider base will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Can I make spiced apple cider in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on “low” for 2–3 hours. This method is great for parties, as it keeps the cider warm and ready to serve.
What alcohol goes best with apple cider?
Bourbon and dark rum give it a deeper, warming flavour, while prosecco or champagne creates a light, bubbly cocktail.
Is apple cider beer the same as spiced apple cider?
No—apple cider beer is a fermented alcoholic beverage, while spiced apple cider is a non-fermented drink made by simmering cider with spices.
What are the benefits of spiced apple cider?
Aside from its comforting taste, spiced cider offers antioxidant benefits from apples and warming qualities from spices. Ginger supports digestion, while cinnamon has been linked to blood sugar regulation. Pair it with Christmas Crack for a festive holiday spread.
Can I make this recipe pregnancy-safe or alcohol-free?
Yes! You can easily prepare spiced apple cider without alcohol, making it safe for pregnancy or for anyone avoiding alcohol. Simply replace the Cointreau (or any orange liqueur) with fresh orange juice, and top with sparkling apple cider or soda water. You’ll still get a festive, flavorful drink that’s perfect for family gatherings.
Quick Recap / Key Takeaways
- This spiced apple cider recipe simmers apple cider with warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and star anise.
- Versatile to serve: hot for cozy nights or chilled with bubbles for parties.
- Make ahead easily—store in the fridge up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Customizable for all: non-alcoholic with sparkling cider, or festive with prosecco/liqueur.
- Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or quiet evenings at home.
- Simple ingredients, tested and retested for balance, create a drink that’s flavorful, festive, and unforgettable.
Ready to make it? Try this recipe today and explore more holiday drinks on Recipeslace for endless seasonal inspiration.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a homemade spiced apple cider recipe to capture the magic of the season. With its balance of crisp apple, warming spices, and a sparkling finish, this drink adapts beautifully to any occasion—holiday parties, cozy evenings, or family-friendly celebrations.
At Recipeslace, our team tests and retests every recipe to ensure it’s both approachable and impressive. This spiced cider proves just that—easy to prepare, customizable, and guaranteed to become a seasonal favourite.
Try this recipe today, and explore more festive drinks like [Banana Bread Latte], [Christmas Crack], and [Lemon Icebox Pie] for even more holiday inspiration. Bring a little extra sparkle to your table—cheers!
