Hot Spiced Cheer

Warm up your holidays with a comforting mug of Hot Spiced Cheer, a festive drink brimming with seasonal flavors and cozy aromas. This easy-to-make recipe combines sweet apple cider, zesty orange slices, and a medley of warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise simmered to perfection. Hints of fresh ginger and vanilla add depth, while a touch of brown sugar balances the blend with subtle sweetness. Perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings by the fireplace, this drink can be served as is or enhanced with a splash of dark rum or bourbon for a grown-up twist. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's the ultimate winter warmer, offering both heartwarming comfort and holiday charm.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 cups Apple cider
• 1 whole Orange
• 3 sticks Cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole Cloves
• 2 whole Star anise
• 1 inch piece Fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 ounce per serving Optional dark rum or bourbon

Directions

Step 1

Pour the apple cider into a large saucepan or pot and set it over medium heat.

Step 2

Slice the orange into thin rounds and add them to the pot.

Step 3

Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and the inch-piece of fresh ginger (peeled and sliced into thin coins) to the cider.

Step 4

Stir in the brown sugar until fully dissolved.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the spices and citrus to infuse the cider with flavor.

Step 6

After simmering, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 7

Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the cider into a heatproof pitcher or individual mugs to remove the solids.

Step 8

If desired, add 1 ounce of dark rum or bourbon to each serving for an optional adult twist.

Step 9

Serve the Hot Spiced Cheer warm and garnish with a cinnamon stick, a star anise, or a slice of orange for an extra festive touch.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1710.9 grams (1710.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	992

Total Fat 5.50g	7%
Saturated Fat 0.90g	5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.60g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 107mg	5%
Total Carbohydrate 223.30g	81%
Dietary Fiber 15.90g	57%
Total Sugars 173.50g
Protein 5.70g	11%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 415mg	32%
Iron 8mg	44%
Potassium 2100mg	45%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 5.1%

Protein: 2.4%

Carbs: 92.5%