Anna’s Spiced Apple Hot Cider
Warm apple cider infused with cinnamon, cloves, and orange, creating a comforting spiced drink perfect for chilly days in Arendelle. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 25 minutes brings together apple cider, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 tbsp, fresh strips orange peel
- 1 whole star anise
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 inch piece, sliced thin fresh ginger
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups apple cider, 2 cinnamon sticks, 6 whole cloves, 1 tbsp fresh orange peel strips, 1 whole star anise, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 inch sliced fresh ginger.
- Step 2: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and let steep gently for 15 minutes until fragrant and infused.
- Step 3: Strain the hot cider through a fine mesh sieve into mugs, discarding the solids. Serve immediately for a cozy, spiced drink.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Anna’s Spiced Apple Hot Cider take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (5 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Anna’s Spiced Apple Hot Cider?
Refrigerate any leftover anna’s spiced apple hot cider in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Anna’s Spiced Apple Hot Cider?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Anna’s Spiced Apple Hot Cider for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Anna’s Spiced Apple Hot Cider?
General cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
