Winter Spiced Hot Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Clove

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-26 · Updated 2026-04-26

A warming mug of hot apple cider infused with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel — perfect for cozy holiday gatherings. This American Christmas recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, brings together apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and 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 110 calories and feeds 6, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Add this recipe to your weekly plan" 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

• 6 cups apple cider
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole cloves
• 4 orange peel strips
• 1 inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 whole star anise

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large saucepan, combine 6 cups apple cider, 3 cinnamon sticks, 6 whole cloves, 4 strips orange peel, 1 inch sliced fresh ginger, and 1 whole star anise.
2. Step 2: Heat over medium heat until the cider just begins to simmer, then reduce heat to low.
3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp brown sugar and simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse the cider.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat, strain out the spices and orange peel, then ladle the hot cider into mugs and serve immediately for a comforting seasonal drink.