8 Best Hot Cider Recipes for Winter to Keep You Warm

Winter is here, and there's nothing quite like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket with a warm drink in hand to fend off the chill. When it comes to winter beverages, hot cider takes the lead for me. It's comforting, delicious, and brings a sense of nostalgia that few other drinks can match.

Whether you're hosting a winter gathering or simply unwinding after a long, cold day, there's a hot cider recipe to suit every occasion. That's why I've put together this list of the 8 Best Hot Cider Recipes for Winter to Keep You Warm. Ready to take your winter drink game to the next level? Let's dive in.

1. Classic Hot Apple Cider

This timeless recipe is the epitome of winter comfort and is loved by everyone.

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 1 large orange
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon allspice berries
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Pour the apple cider into a large pot.
2. Stud the orange with the cloves.
3. Add the orange and remaining ingredients into the pot.
4. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Lower the heat and let it gently simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Remove the orange and spices before serving.

2. Spiced Rum Cider

Adding a splash of rum to your hot cider brings a delightful twist for cold evenings.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups apple cider
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 whole allspice berries
• 1/4 cup dark rum
• Cinnamon sticks or apple slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and strain.
5. Stir in dark rum.
6. Serve hot, garnished with a cinnamon stick or apple slice if desired.

3. Cranberry Apple Cider

This fruity twist combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups apple cider
• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 tablespoons honey

Instructions:

1. Mix apple cider and cranberry juice in a large pot.
2. Add fresh cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and honey.
3. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Simmer for 20 minutes, occasionally stirring until the cranberries start to pop.
5. Strain before serving.

4. Maple Bourbon Cider

The combination of maple syrup and bourbon adds a unique flavor depth to this hot drink.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup real maple syrup
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise pods

Instructions:

1. Combine apple cider, maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, and star anise in a pot.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in bourbon.
5. Serve hot and enjoy.

5. Cinnamon Vanilla Cider

This recipe combines the classic flavors of cinnamon and vanilla for a warming experience.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups apple cider
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions:

1. In a medium pot, combine apple cider, cinnamon sticks, vanilla bean and seeds, and brown sugar.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and serve hot.

6. Ginger-Spiced Cider

If you love the kick of ginger, this one's for you.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup fresh ginger, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 tablespoons honey

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Let it simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Strain out the ginger and spices before serving.

7. Mulled Wine Cider

A festive drink that merges the best of mulled wine and hot cider traditions.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups apple cider
• 1 bottle red wine
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 2 orange slices
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves

Instructions:

1. Combine apple cider, red wine, brandy, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in a large pot.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
3. Let it simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Strain before serving.

8. Caramel Apple Cider

This sweet treat is basically dessert in a cup.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Whipped cream for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat apple cider and caramel sauce in a pot over medium heat, stirring until combined.
2. Add cinnamon and continue stirring.
3. Heat until the cider is warmed through.
4. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream if desired.

Conclusion

Each of these hot cider recipes brings something unique to the table. Whether you're a fan of the classic apple flavor or prefer a modern twist with added fruits and spices, there's definitely a recipe here to warm your winter nights. Cheers to staying cozy and enjoying the delicious flavors of the season!