Spiced Apple Cider Recipe: Warm Homemade Mulled Cider

No-Fuss Hot Spiced Apple Cider – Sugar-Free & Family-Friendly

There’s something magical about a warm cup of hot spiced apple cider on a crisp autumn day: cinnamon and cloves filling the air, steam rising from the mug, and the golden color catching the light. This simple, cozy spiced apple cider uses 100% unsweetened apple juice and real fall spices. It contains no added sugar unless you choose to add a touch of maple syrup or honey, and it’s non-alcoholic — perfect for family gatherings or quiet evenings with a blanket and a book.

You’ll need only a few ingredients and about 30 minutes to make this comforting drink.

This non-alcoholic spiced apple cider pairs beautifully with simple fall treats like leaf-shaped sandwich cookies, apple crisp, or a custard apple tart. It also makes a great base for party drinks—serve it as-is for kids and non-drinkers or offer optional spirits for adults to spike their own cups.

🎥 Video

🥘 Ingredients

Apple juice
Use 100% unsweetened apple juice for the best flavor. If your juice is sweetened, skip or reduce any added sweetener.

Apple slices
One small apple, thinly sliced, adds a gentle natural sweetness and a rustic touch.

Cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon
Whole cinnamon sticks provide aroma and depth; a pinch of ground cinnamon boosts the cinnamon presence.

Whole cloves & star anise
Cloves add warm, slightly peppery notes. Star anise is optional but gives a subtle licorice-like depth.

Orange peel
Use a strip of orange peel (avoid the white pith) to add bright citrus balance.

Maple syrup or honey
Optional—start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste. Maple brings an earthy sweetness; honey is floral and light.

See the recipe card below for exact quantities.

🔪 Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare
Slice the apple and peel a strip of orange. Gather a medium saucepan and your spices.

Step 2 – Combine
Add the apple juice, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise (if using), orange peel, maple syrup or honey (if using), and a little ground cinnamon to the saucepan. Stir gently.

Step 3 – Simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. When small bubbles appear, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20–30 minutes. Keep it below a boil so the flavors infuse slowly.

Step 4 – Strain & serve
Strain the cider through a fine mesh strainer to remove whole spices and fruit slices. Serve hot in mugs, or let cool and refrigerate for later use.

🎉 Hosting a fall gathering?

To serve approximately 12 people, increase the recipe as follows:

• 12 cups (3 liters) unsweetened apple juice
• 3 small apples, thinly sliced
• 6–8 cinnamon sticks
• 12 whole cloves
• 4–6 star anise (optional)
• 3 strips of orange peel (avoid the white pith)
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (optional)

How to make it for a crowd

1. Combine ingredients in a large pot or slow cooker.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce to low heat.
3. Simmer for 30–45 minutes to deepen the spice flavor.
4. Strain before serving and keep warm in a slow cooker or on very low heat on the stove.

Optional for serving

• Garnish mugs with cinnamon sticks or apple slices.
• Offer bourbon, rum, or brandy on the side for guests who want an adult version.

🍪 Serving Suggestions

• Pair with leaf-shaped sandwich cookies for an autumn afternoon treat.
• Serve alongside apple crisp or custard apple tart at brunch or dessert.
• Make it a cozy pairing for pumpkin cheesecake at Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving.
• For a cold variation, chill the cider and serve over ice with a cinnamon stick.

🌡️ Storage

Cool the spiced apple cider completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also freeze the cider in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month; thaw and reheat before serving.

🍽 Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Fine mesh strainer
• Sharp knife
• Peeler (for the orange)
• Airtight glass bottle or mason jar (for storing leftovers)

If you make this recipe, please rate it and leave a comment. Tag creations with @combinegoodflavors and #combinegoodflavors if you share photos on social platforms.

Homemade Spiced Apple Cider (Non-Alcoholic)

Cozy, family-friendly spiced apple cider made without added sugar and ready in 30 minutes.

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Fine mesh strainer
• Sharp knife
• Peeler (for the orange)
• Airtight glass bottle or mason jar (for storing leftovers)

Ingredients

• 4 cups Unsweetened apple juice
• 1 small Apple, thinly sliced
• 2–3 Cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole Cloves
• 2 Star anise (optional)
• 1 strip Orange peel (avoid the white pith)
• 1 tbsp Maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste; optional)
• ½ tsp Ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. Add 4 cups unsweetened apple juice, the sliced apple, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise (if using), orange peel, maple syrup (if using), and ground cinnamon to a saucepan. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20–30 minutes. Keep it just below boiling.
3. Strain the cider to remove whole spices and fruit. Serve hot or store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 159 kcal | Carbohydrates: 40 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 1 g | Sugar: 32 g

Servings: 4 cups

Calories: 159 kcal

Author: Nora

⛑️ Food Safety

• Cook foods to appropriate temperatures; if reheating, heat thoroughly.
• Avoid cross-contamination: do not use the same utensils for cooked food that touched raw meat.
• Wash hands after handling raw meat and before serving food or drinks.
• Do not leave perishable foods and drinks at room temperature for extended periods.
• Never leave cooking food unattended.
• Ensure good ventilation when using a gas stove.