Cozy Hayride Hot Cider with Cinnamon Stick
A warm, comforting hot cider infused with cinnamon sticks and spices, perfect for chilly fall and winter evenings. This easy homemade drink offers a balanced sweetness and cozy spice aroma.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (960 ml) apple cider
- 2 large cinnamon sticks
- 4–5 whole cloves (optional)
- 3–4 whole allspice berries (optional)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (lightly packed, adjust to taste)
- 1 medium orange, thinly sliced
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
Instructions
- Pour 4 cups of apple cider and 1 cup of water into a large saucepan.
- Add 2 cinnamon sticks, 4-5 whole cloves, 3-4 allspice berries, and 1 star anise if using. Stir gently.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar until dissolved, then add thin slices of 1 medium orange.
- Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and bring just to a simmer. Avoid boiling. Let simmer gently for 15-20 minutes uncovered.
- Taste the cider carefully and add more brown sugar one teaspoon at a time if a sweeter flavor is desired.
- Strain the hot cider through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a heatproof pitcher or mugs, removing all spices and orange slices.
- Serve immediately in mugs, garnished with a fresh cinnamon stick and optionally a slice of fresh orange or a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Notes
Keep heat low and simmer gently to avoid bitterness. Whole spices release flavor more gently than ground spices. Cinnamon sticks can be reused 1-2 times if stored dry. Adjust sweetness to taste. Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of water if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 120150
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: hot cider, cinnamon stick, fall drink, winter beverage, cozy drink, homemade cider, spiced cider, warm drink