Spiced Maple Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Clove

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

Warm and fragrant apple cider simmered with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a touch of maple syrup, perfect for cozy autumn evenings. This American-inspired Halloween recipe, ready in about 35 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 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: 30 min Serves 6 American cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 6 cups apple cider, 3 cinnamon sticks, 8 whole cloves, 1 tsp orange zest, 1 whole star anise, and 1-inch thinly sliced fresh ginger with 1/2 cup water.
  2. Step 2: Bring mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to infuse the spices.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup maple syrup and continue to heat for 5 more minutes until warm and slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Strain the cider through a fine mesh sieve to remove spices and zest. Serve hot in mugs, optionally garnished with a cinnamon stick or orange slice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Maple Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Clove take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (5 min prep + 30 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 Maple Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Clove?

Refrigerate any leftover spiced maple 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 Maple 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 Maple 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 Maple 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.

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