Cozy Cinnamon Apple Cider
This Cinnamon Apple Cider is the kind of thing I make when I want the house to feel like a hug. It’s warm, comforting, and just the right kind of sweet to tuck you in. This recipe has been in our family for longer than I can count. I used to make it by the potful when your mama was little — we’d line up our mugs, everyone with a little cinnamon stick stirring their cider like it was a magic wand. Holidays smell like this to me now: simmering apples, cinnamon drifting through the rooms, and the sound of laughter. It’s one of those recipes that seems to carry a memory in every sip. Whenever someone came home tired or a little out of sorts, this is what I turned to. It’s forgiving, gentle, and quick to make, and it fills more than just a cup. It fills the room with warmth and the heart with calm. You don’t need fancy tools or exacting measures — just good ingredients and a bit of patience. So, pull up a chair, my dear. Let me show you how to make this the easy, comforting way I always have. Don’t you fret if it’s not perfectly measured; what matters is the love you stir in. You can do this. I know you can.
Ingredients
- 8 cups Unfiltered apple cider
- 2 cups Water
- 2 pieces Medium apples, thinly sliced (leave skins on for color)
- 1 pieces Orange, thinly sliced (optional, for brightness)
- 4 sticks Cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole Whole cloves
- 6 whole Whole allspice
- 2 pieces Star anise (optional)
- 1 inch Fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Pure maple syrup (optional, can substitute for brown sugar)
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 pinch Salt
- 6 slices Apple slices (for garnish)
- 6 sticks Additional cinnamon sticks (for stirring/garnish)
- 2 tbsp Bourbon or dark rum (optional, for adults)
Instructions
Place a large, heavy-bottomed pot on the stove over medium heat. Pour in the apple cider and water. Give it a little stir, just enough to say hello — we’re coaxing comfort out of simple things, not rushing it.
Add the sliced apples and orange to the pot. Drop in the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, star anise (if using), and the sliced ginger. Nestle them in like you’re tucking little ones under a blanket.
Sprinkle in the brown sugar and the pinch of salt. Turn the heat up just until the liquid begins to steam and small bubbles flirt at the edge. You’ll start to smell that lovely warmth — cinnamon and apple mingling. Oh, doesn’t that smell like home?
Once it reaches a gentle simmer, lower the heat so it keeps a very soft bubble. Cover the pot partially and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Give it time to pull flavors together — slow and steady, like a good story.
Turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and maple syrup if you’re using it. Taste a little (warm, not piping hot) and add a touch more sugar or syrup if you like it sweeter. Remember, darling, this is your cup of comfort — make it the way your heart wants it.
If you prefer a clearer cider, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pot or heatproof pitcher, pressing the fruit gently to release all the flavored juices. If you love the rustic look, leave the fruit in — it’s perfectly lovely either way.
To serve, ladle the cider into warm mugs. Add an apple slice and a cinnamon stick to each cup. For grown-ups who want to cozy up a bit more, a tablespoon or two of bourbon or dark rum tucked in at the end is a small, optional hug.
Keep the cider warm over the lowest heat, stirring occasionally, or keep it in a slow cooker on low for a crowd. If it thickens a touch as it sits, a splash of hot water and a quick stir will bring it right back.
Cooking Tips
- 💡Nana's Little Notes: If your cider tastes too strong, don’t worry — add a splash more water and a little extra sugar if you like. It’s forgiving, my dear.
- 💡For extra depth, roast the apple slices and orange in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes before adding them to the pot. That caramelized note is my little secret.
- 💡If you’re making this for a party, simmer it low in a slow cooker so guests can help themselves. Keep a small ladle and extra cinnamon sticks nearby — makes everything feel special.
- 💡If you’d like it spicier, add an extra cinnamon stick or a little more ginger. If you’d like it milder, use fewer whole cloves — there’s no one right way.
- 💡Leftovers are just as lovely reheated. Store in the fridge up to 3 days and warm gently on the stove, stirring once or twice.
Nutritional Information
Per serving
May this little pot of cider wrap your home in warmth and gentle laughter. Pass this simple recipe along like a promise — that comfort can be made by hand, and memories can be stirred into every cup. Be kind to yourself, savor the small moments, and know you’ve made something nourishing not just for the body but for the heart.
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