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Simple Old-Fashioned Hot Apple Cider

A cozy, classic hot apple cider infused with cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and fresh orange. Easy to make on the stovetop or in a slow cooker for crisp fall days and holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 Cups
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 114
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cups apple cider
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 8 whole cloves
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 4 whole allspice berries
  • 1/2 orange, sliced (approx. 3–4 slices)
  • 1 –2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or brown sugar (optional)

Method
 

Stovetop Instructions
  1. Add the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, allspice berries, and orange slices to a large saucepan or Dutch oven.
  2. Warm over medium-low heat until the cider reaches a gentle simmer. Do not boil.
  3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
  4. Taste and add maple syrup or brown sugar if desired.
  5. Strain out the spices and orange slices.
  6. Serve warm with a cinnamon stick or orange slice.
Crockpot Instructions
  1. Add the cider, spices, and orange slices to a slow cooker (plus maple syrup or brown sugar, if using).
  2. Cover and cook on LOW for 2–4 hours.
  3. Strain out the spices and orange slices.
  4. Switch the slow cooker to WARM for serving.

Notes

*For slow cooker prep: If making this in a crockpot, plan for 2 to 4 hours on LOW to allow the spices to fully infuse before serving.
*For spiked cider: Add 1 to 1½ ounces of bourbon, whiskey, dark rum, spiced rum, or brandy to an individual mug just before serving, if desired.