Spiced Candy Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Clove

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Warm, comforting apple cider infused with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a hint of orange zest — perfect for chilly autumn evenings. This american-inspired halloween ready in about 25 minutes brings together apple cider, sticks 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 6, 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 American cuisine 120 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, pour 6 cups apple cider and add 3 cinnamon sticks, 8 whole cloves, 1 tsp finely grated orange zest, 1 whole star anise, and 1-inch thinly sliced fresh ginger.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp brown sugar and 1 tbsp lemon juice to balance sweetness and acidity.
  3. Step 3: Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to infuse the spices.
  4. Step 4: Strain the cider through a fine mesh sieve to remove the spices and zest.
  5. Step 5: Serve warm in mugs garnished with fresh apple slices and a cinnamon stick if desired.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Candy Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Clove 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 Spiced Candy Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Clove?

Refrigerate any leftover spiced candy apple cider with cinnamon and clove 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 Spiced Candy Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Clove?

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 Spiced Candy Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Clove for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Spiced Candy Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Clove?

American halloween 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes