Autumnal recipes

Spiked Hot Apple Cider Recipe

This Spiked Hot Apple Cider is a perfect hot drink for winter time, it is delicious and warming. Despite the name, this recipe surprisingly does not contain alcoholic apple cider (although you could definitely use it!). Here in Ireland, apple cider is an alcoholic, carbonated drink made from apples. Apple cider (also called sweet cider, soft cider, or simply cider) is the name used in the United States and Canada for an unfiltered, unsweetened, non-alcoholic beverage made from apples. In this recipe, apple juice has some spices added to it and warmed into a tasty hot drink. A perfect non alcoholic hot drink suitable for everyone and a great alternative to mulled wine! To spike it, add a shot of good quality whiskey or spiced rum to your cup!

So how do I make this Spiked Hot Apple Cider from scratch?

This warm, comforting hot drink can be made so easily! Simply add the apple juice, spices, masala chai teabags and orange slices to a saucepan. Heat gently for 5-10 minutes until hot. Pour a shot of your chosen spirit into a cup or coffee glass. Pour over the hot apple cider and garnish with a cinnamon stick and a few slices of apples. Serve immediately.

What alcohol can I use to spike this hot cider?

There are a number of different spirits you could choose to spike your hot cider. The following are a few of my favourites;

Bourbon:

Whiskey

Rum

Gin

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this called Hot Apple Cider if it uses apple juice, not cider?

Hot Apple Cider originated in the USA. There, they call fresh squeezed unfiltered apple juice, apple cider.

Does vodka go in apple cider?

I personally am not a huge fan of vodka. For apple cider, I think whiskey, rum and some flavoured gins are delicious.

Can you just heat up apple cider?

Yes, you could absolutely choose a hard, alcoholic cider for this recipe. Add the spices and chai teabags, and warm gently.

Does boiling cider remove the alcohol?

Yes, it certainly does! This is why I choose to use apple juice to heat, and spike it in the cup rather than in the pot.

What is the difference between mulled cider and hot apple cider?

There is no difference! They are prepared and served the same way.

Print

Spiked Hot Apple Cider

A warming hot drink for the winter using apple juice and spices like cinnamon, cardamom and allspice and the best spirits to spike it with.
Course Drinks
Cuisine Hot Drinks
Keyword Adult Hot Apple Juice, Allspice Berries, Apple Cinnamon, Apple Juice, Chai, Chai Teabags, Easy cardamom cinnamon buns recipe, Hot Apple Juice, No Added Sugar Hot Apple Cider, Spiced Hot Cider, Spiked Cider, What Alcohol to use with hot cider
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 cups
Calories 250kcal
Author pinkhairedpastrychef

Equipment

  • 1 Small saucepan
  • 1 ladle or cup
  • 3-4 cups or coffee glasses

Ingredients

  • 1 litre apple juice
  • 2-3 sticks cinnamon plus extra for garnish
  • 4-5 pods cardamom
  • 4-5 berries allspice
  • 2 chai teabags or 2 tbsp chai syrup
  • 1/2 orange, sliced
  • 1 eating apple, sliced
  • 1 shot Whiskey, Bourbon or Spiced Rum optional

Instructions

  • Begin by adding all ingredients to a small saucepan.
  • Heat on low, stirring often for 5-10 minutes until hot.
  • If you are spiking it, add a shot of your alcohol to you coffee glass or cup.
  • Top with hot apple mix and add a stick of cinnamon and a few slices of apple for garnish.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

The calorie information is an estimate provided as a courtesy based off the website https://caloriecontrol.org/healthy-weight-tool-kit/food-calorie-calculator/. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use.
pinkhairedpastrychef

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