This 4-ingredient Spiced Apple Cider is perfect for chilly evenings. Learn two simple methods to make hot, mulled apple cider so you can serve it steaming hot at fall and winter gatherings.
This recipe was passed down to us from a family member and I’ve only changed it a touch. We serve it every Thanksgiving and throughout the winter whenever we want a cozy warm drink. Below are clear, easy instructions for making spiced apple cider on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
Table of Contents
- Why you’ll love this recipe
- Tools you’ll need
- Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to make spiced apple cider
- More baker’s tips
- Storage
- FAQs
- More hot beverages
- Spiced Apple Cider Recipe
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Transforms store-bought cider – A few whole spices and pineapple juice elevate plain cider into a rich, mulled drink with depth and warmth.
- Simple and quick – Only four ingredients and minimal prep make this an easy crowd-pleaser.
- Two cooking options – Choose the quick stovetop method or keep cider warm for hours in a slow cooker for gatherings.
- Warm and festive – The aroma of simmering apple and cinnamon fills the home with seasonal comfort.
Tools you’ll need
Choose the tool that suits your plan:
- Large saucepan for stovetop cooking.
- Slow cooker to simmer all day and keep the cider warm for guests.
Ingredients and Substitutions
The complete ingredient list and amounts are in the recipe card below. Notes and substitutions:
- Apple cider – Pick a cider you enjoy on its own. Fresh orchard cider is ideal. Both filtered and unfiltered cider work; unfiltered will be cloudier. Avoid sparkling cider.
- Pineapple – Use canned pineapple rings and their juice (not pineapple in syrup). The juice adds flavor without extra sugar.
- Whole spices – Use whole cinnamon sticks and whole cloves for warm, aromatic flavor. Whole spices infuse more cleanly and are easier to remove.
How to make spiced apple cider
The steps below show both methods. You can skip to the recipe card to print or view quantities.
Stovetop instructions
Place the apple cider, pineapple rings with their juice, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves into a large stainless-steel pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 20–30 minutes so the spices infuse the cider. Serve hot.
Tip: If you have an insulated dispenser, transfer the hot cider so guests can help themselves.
Slow cooker instructions
Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours to bring the mixture close to a simmer (you’ll see steam but not a rolling boil). Switch to WARM to keep the cider hot all day and serve with a ladle.
Note: The slow cooker is convenient when your stovetop has many dishes going, and it fills the kitchen with cozy aromas.
More baker’s tips
- Customize the fruits by adding sliced apples, pears, oranges, whole cranberries, or pomegranate seeds.
- Try other whole spices such as allspice berries, cardamom, star anise, or a pinch of nutmeg for different flavor profiles.
- Adjust spice intensity by increasing or reducing cinnamon sticks and cloves. Taste as it simmers to reach your preferred warmth.
- Sweeteners — pineapple juice provides sweetness, but you can swap in honey or maple syrup if you prefer.
- Alcohol — to make a boozy version for adults, add rum, brandy, or bourbon to each serving.
Storage
Cool the cider completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container for 3–5 days.
Reheat single servings in the microwave in 30-second bursts or warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat. The cider is also enjoyable chilled.
FAQs
Apple cider is apple juice made from pressed apples. Spiced apple cider is hot cider that has been flavored with spices such as cinnamon and cloves.
Apple juice can be used, but cider has a bolder, more authentic apple flavor that pairs better with whole spices.
Nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, and ginger are all good additions. Whole spices work best for easy removal after simmering.
Stored in a sealed container, it will keep for about 3–5 days in the refrigerator.
More hot beverages
- Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
- Chocolate Hazelnut Latte
- Matcha Latte
- Spiced Hot Chocolate
- Irish Cream Hot Chocolate
Hungry for more?
Join the free newsletter for weekly recipes, inspiration, and occasional subscriber-only giveaways.
Spiced Apple Cider
Pin
Comment
Equipment
-
Slow Cooker (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole cloves
- 8 oz can pineapple slices in juice, about 4 rings
Instructions
Stovetop
-
Combine all ingredients, including the pineapple juice, in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–30 minutes to infuse the flavors. Serve hot and turn off heat after serving.
Slow cooker
-
Place all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours until it’s steaming (not a rolling boil). Switch to WARM to keep it hot throughout your event and serve with a ladle.
Notes
- Use whole spices when possible for easy removal and a clean infusion.
- Choose pineapple in juice, not syrup, to avoid extra sweetness while keeping flavor.
- Filtered and unfiltered cider both work; unfiltered will be cloudier. Avoid sparkling cider.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!This post may contain affiliate links. Affiliate partnerships help support new recipes and content at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support.