Hot apple cider - this seasonal fall favorite is a perfect way to warm up on a crisp fall day while spending time outdoors at a pumpkin farm, a fall festival, a football game or whatever you enjoy doing outside! It's family-friendly and oh-so easy to make. You can make a batch and carry some with you in a thermal mug for yourself or, if you're making it for a crowd, you can carry it in a Thermos or coffee carafe for easy pouring.

If you're looking for a new, leak-proof thermal mug, check this on out by Contigo! It vacuum seals to keep drinks hot (or cold) for hours, and auto seals to prevent spills or leaks! I LOVE mine!

TIP: pour some HOT WATER into the thermal mug, Thermos or carafe. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then pour the hot water out and pour your delicious hot apple cider in! It'll stay hot longer!

Delicious Hot Apple Cider

Fall's favorite drink, this seasonal favorite is easy to make and can be carried anywhere in a Thermos or thermal mug.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Drinks

Servings 16 people

Equipment

10" x 9" piece of cheesecloth, doubled
Kitchen Twine
6 quart Dutch Oven

Ingredients

1 gallon apple cider
4 3" cinnamon sticks plus more for garnish
12 whole cloves
12 whole allspice
¾ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 3 lemons
1 apple, thinly sliced for garnish optional

Instructions

Make the Spice Pouch

Lay the doubled piece of cheesecloth flat and place the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and whole allspice in the center
Bring the four corners of the cheesecloth together and tie the spices snugly in the center using the kitchen twine
set aside

Make the Apple Cider

Pour the apple cider into the 6 qt. Dutch oven
Drop the Spice Pouch into the cider
Turn on the heat and bring the liquid to a simmer but not to a boil
Once the liquid has reached a simmer, continue to simmer for about 30 minutes, being careful to not allow the liquid to come to a full boil
Remove from the heat
Remove and discard the spice pouch
Allow the liquid to cool slightly before ladling into mugs or glasses

Want to kick it up a bit for a fall or winter themed party? Apple cider can easily be tweaked to make delightful fall cocktails. It can be served hot, warm or cold!

Spike It Up!

Turn your apple cider into a delicious spiked version with one of these adds (I use 1 shot to 1 ¼ - 1 ½ cups of cider):

Whiskey or Bourbon (we like Maker's Mark but a good friend swears by Larceny whiskey
Dry white wine such as a Chardonnay
Dark Rum
Vodka
Brandy (try Apple Brandy)

Store any leftover cider in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

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