Apple Cider (Non-Alcoholic)
A comforting and aromatic non-alcoholic beverage, traditional apple cider is a rich, unfiltered juice made from pressed apples, often spiced and served warm, evoking the cozy flavors of autumn.
What is this drink?
Non-alcoholic apple cider is fresh-pressed, unfiltered apple juice traditionally simmered with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. It's an American autumn staple with deep colonial roots, best served warm in a mug on a cool day.
Why you'll love it
It's pure autumn comfort — the rich, cloudy apple sweetness infused with warm spices creates an incredibly cozy drink that smells as wonderful as it tastes, evoking apple orchards and harvest season.
When to serve
Perfect for fall and winter gatherings, Halloween parties, Thanksgiving celebrations, holiday events, or any cozy evening when you want a comforting, warming non-alcoholic drink.
Pro tip
Simmer the spiced cider gently — never boil it. A hard boil drives off the delicate apple aromatics and can make the drink taste flat and overcooked.
Fresh Apple Cider
The foundation — unfiltered, unsweetened apple cider has a rich, cloudy sweetness and complex apple flavor that filtered apple juice cannot match.
Cinnamon Stick
The signature spice — it infuses the cider with warm, woody sweetness that perfectly complements the apple's natural flavor.
Whole Cloves
Adds an aromatic depth and slightly sharp, spicy note that balances the cider's sweetness and makes the kitchen smell incredible.
Star Anise
Optional but magical — its subtle licorice note adds an exotic, warming dimension to the spice blend.
Swap Options
Add a cinnamon stick and a slice of fresh ginger for a spicier version. A splash of apple brandy or bourbon can be added to individual servings for an adult variation. Maple syrup or brown sugar can be stirred in if a sweeter cider is desired.
Combine ingredients
Pour 4 cups (960 ml) of non-alcoholic apple cider into a medium saucepan. Add 2 cinnamon sticks, 4-5 whole cloves, and 2 star anises (if using).
Tips:
- •For extra zest, you can add a few strips of orange peel (avoiding the white pith).
Simmer to infuse
Heat the cider mixture over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer, but do not boil. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the spices to infuse their flavors into the cider.
Tips:
- •A longer simmer will result in a stronger, more pronounced spice flavor. Keep an eye on it to prevent boiling.
Strain and serve
Carefully remove the spices from the cider using a slotted spoon or by straining the cider through a fine-mesh sieve into heatproof mugs. Garnish each mug with 1 thin orange slice or 1 apple slice, if desired. Serve warm.
Tips:
- •Serve immediately for the best warm experience. For a chilled version, let it cool completely after infusing, then refrigerate.
- Adjust the amount and type of spices to your preference. Nutmeg, allspice, or fresh ginger can also be added.
- For extra sweetness, you can add a tablespoon of maple syrup or brown sugar, but taste first as apple cider is naturally sweet.
- To keep warm for a crowd, transfer the simmered cider to a slow cooker on a 'warm' setting.
- Can be served chilled: simply cool the infused cider completely and serve over ice.
Different ways to make this drink your own
Spiced Apple Cider
Add a cinnamon stick, three cloves, a star anise, and several slices of fresh ginger alongside the usual spices for a more intensely spiced, warmly aromatic cider. Strain carefully before serving for a clean, elegant result.
Adult Apple Cider
Add a 50ml measure of apple brandy (Calvados) or bourbon to individual mugs of hot spiced cider for a warming, alcoholic version. The apple brandy amplifies the apple flavour dramatically; bourbon adds vanilla and oak depth.
Maple Apple Cider
Replace the white sugar or honey with a tablespoon of real maple syrup for a more complex, earthy sweetness with a distinctive autumn character. Particularly delicious alongside cinnamon doughnuts or apple cake.
Tools that make this drink come together
Large Saucepan or Slow Cooker
A wide saucepan allows the apple cider, juice, and spices to combine and gently infuse over low heat. A slow cooker set on low for two to three hours produces a wonderfully deeply flavoured cider ideal for keeping warm throughout a party.
Fine Mesh Strainer
Essential for straining out whole spices, orange peel, and any sediment before serving. Ladle the cider through the strainer into a serving jug or directly into mugs for a perfectly clear, clean result.
Heatproof Mugs or Glasses
Wide-mouthed heatproof mugs or glass toddy mugs are ideal for serving hot spiced apple cider. A cinnamon stick garnish resting in the mug makes the presentation immediately appealing and adds a gentle background aroma.
Can't Find These?
Any saucepan or pot heats the cider. A regular kitchen sieve strains out the spices adequately. Any heatproof mug or ceramic cup serves the cider safely. A wooden spoon stirs the pot throughout the gentle simmering process.
The right glass makes a real difference
Heatproof Glass Mug or Ceramic Mug
Spiced apple cider is served in a heatproof glass mug or a wide ceramic mug — the handle is essential for comfort with a hot drink, and a transparent glass mug allows the cider's deep amber colour to be admired. A cinnamon stick standing in the mug and an apple slice on the rim make the presentation immediately autumnal and inviting. Always serve immediately after ladling.
Alternatives
Any ceramic mug or heatproof cup works perfectly. An Irish coffee glass is an elegant transparent option. For outdoor autumn events, wide-mouthed insulated cups keep the cider warm for longer. Avoid metal cups, which can transfer metallic flavours to the naturally sweet apple cider.
Perfect food pairings to complete the experience
Cinnamon Doughnuts
Warm, freshly fried cinnamon-sugar doughnuts are the quintessential autumn companion for spiced apple cider. The cinnamon and apple flavours echo each other beautifully, creating a deeply comforting, seasonal combination.
Mature Cheddar and Apple Chutney
A robust, aged cheddar with a well-made apple chutney highlights the apple cider's fruit notes while providing a satisfying savoury counterpoint. A classic combination that celebrates the apple in both the drink and the accompaniment.
Pork and Apple Sausage Rolls
Flaky pastry sausage rolls with pork and apple filling are an ideal warm, savoury companion for hot spiced cider at autumn gatherings. The sweetness of the apple in both the roll and the cider creates a cohesive, seasonal pairing.
Toffee Apple
A traditional toffee apple on a stick is a playful, nostalgic companion for spiced apple cider at Halloween or autumn fairs. The caramel toffee coating and crisp apple beneath echo the cider's spiced sweetness perfectly.
Prep in advance for effortless serving
Make the Night Before
Prepare the full batch of spiced apple cider the evening before and refrigerate in a large sealed pot. The spices continue to infuse overnight, deepening the flavour considerably. Reheat gently on the hob or in a slow cooker on the day — it will taste even better than freshly made.
Use a Slow Cooker for Parties
Transfer the strained, spiced cider to a slow cooker set on 'warm' or 'low' for the duration of a party. Guests can ladle their own servings throughout the event and the cider stays at a perfect temperature for hours without any attention.
Make Spice Sachets
Tie whole spices (cinnamon, cloves, allspice, star anise) into small muslin bags or tea strainers before adding to the pot. This makes straining effortless — simply remove the sachet without labouring over a sieve. Sachets can be reused for a second batch.
Freeze Leftover Cider
Any leftover spiced apple cider can be frozen in ice cube trays and stored in sealed bags for up to three months. Reheat cubes in a saucepan for single servings on demand, or add to apple-based sauces, glazes, and marinades for cooking.
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