Just 2 super simple ingredients and 2 spicy additions make this amazing Hot Apple Cider. Perfect for fall festivals, parties, and backyard bonfires, and it’s so easy to make!

glass mug of hot apple cider on a wooden tray

Why this recipe works

Honestly, it couldn’t get any easier. You heat this easy apple mixture on the stovetop and can keep it warm in your crockpot. And yes, you certainly can start and finish in the slow cooker!

Apple cider is a fall favorite and is perfect for the autumn holidays. I like to serve my Vanilla Orange Punch at the holidays too, but nothing says fall like hot apple cider!

overhead view of a punch bowl filled with hot apple cider and garnished with apple slices

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

How to Make Hot Apple Cider

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. Please scroll down to simply print out the recipe!

In a stockpot, bring all ingredients to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Strain and serve.

After straining you may transfer to a crockpot set on low to keep warm.
Garnish with apple wheels, cranberries, star anise, and cinnamon sticks. Alternatively, you can garnish individual cups with whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon.

Expert Tips & FAQs

Apple cider is my choice, but it is cloudier than apple juice because of the process of making it. You can use apple juice if you prefer a clearer beverage.

While you certainly don’t have to add the garnishes, if you are having a party, it makes the punch look so beautiful and festive!

I like to serve this with glass mugs so guests can see the gorgeous color of this hot apple cider.

To turn this hot apple cider into an adult beverage, you can spike it with rum, bourbon, or brandy.

hot apple cider with garnishes in a crockpot

For a different twist, you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream (or wow, use my apple cider ice cream!). Yes, the punch will cool off quickly, but the flavor is amazing!

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Hot Apple Cider

While you certainly don't have to add the garnishes, if you are having a party, it makes this hot apple cider punch look so beautiful and festive!

4.50 from 8 votes

IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!

Print It Rate It Save It

Course: Beverages

Cuisine: American

Servings: (8-oz) cups

Calories: 146

Author: Amanda Davis

Ingredients

▢ 1 gallon fresh apple cider or bottled apple juice
▢ ⅔ cup brown sugar
▢ 4 cinnamon sticks
▢ 10 whole cloves

Things You’ll Need

Before You Begin

Apple cider is my choice, but it is cloudier than apple juice because of the process of making it. You can use apple juice if you prefer a clearer beverage.
While you certainly don’t have to add the garnishes, if you are having a party, it makes the punch look so beautiful and festive!
I like to serve this with glass mugs so guests can see the gorgeous color of this hot apple cider.
To turn this hot apple cider into an adult beverage, you can spike it with rum, bourbon, or brandy.

Instructions

In a stockpot, bring all ingredients to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Strain and serve.
After straining you may transfer to a crockpot set on low to keep warm.
Garnish with apple wheels, cranberries, star anise, and cinnamon sticks. Alternatively, you can garnish individual cups with whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon.

Nutrition

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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.

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Amanda Davis

President at Amanda's Creative Studio, Inc.

Amanda Davis is the entrepreneurial mom of four grown children and four step children. She and her husband, Chef Antoine, love to cook together creating recipes for this blog. Amanda also make kid's crafts and creates decorative items for her home. She is a crafting expert and guru in the kitchen and has appeared online and in print publications many times over the years. She is also a craft book author five times over and product developer as well as the owner of FunFamilyCrafts.com. You can find her on social media by using the buttons to the left!