Name: Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups apple cider; 2 slices of orange; 2 cinnamon sticks; 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced; 1 Tbsp maple syrup; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

There’s something truly comforting about a warm glass of spiced cider on a crisp day. My Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe captures those cozy vibes perfectly, blending fragrant spices and zesty orange for a drink that warms you from the inside out.

Two clear glass mugs filled with warm light brown liquid each have a cinnamon stick placed vertically inside. One mug also has a thin lemon slice floating on top, adding a pale yellow layer against the light brown drink. Both mugs sit on a brown wooden surface, next to a light brown pinecone decorated with white edges and a small light blue leaf. A small part of a bright orange fruit is visible at the bottom right corner. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe is one I keep coming back to during chilly evenings—its blend of spices and citrus hits just the right note. It’s simple, quick to make, and always impresses guests who stop by unannounced.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your kitchen or can pick them up easily.
Cozy, Inviting Flavors: Cinnamon, fresh orange, and ginger come together to create a perfectly balanced warmth.
Easy to Make: Just simmer for 5–10 minutes and you’re ready to enjoy a comforting sip.
Customizable: Whether you want it sweeter, spicier, or alcohol-infused, it’s a recipe you can easily tweak to fit your mood.

Two clear glass mugs filled with warm brown liquid topped with half lemon slices and cinnamon sticks lie on a white marbled surface that looks like a wooden table. One woman's hand with mauve nail polish holds the left mug by its handle from above, and another woman's hand with light skin and a small tattoo gently grips the right mug handle from the side. Around the mugs, there are light brown pinecones with white tips, cinnamon sticks piled together, lemon slices, and one whole orange. The whole scene looks cozy and warm. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe plays a part in creating a deeply comforting and flavorful drink. They’re all easy to find, and once combined, they bring out the best in each other — the cinnamon’s warmth, the orange’s brightness, the ginger’s fresh zing, and the subtle sweetness from maple syrup tie it all together.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden apple cider, two fresh orange slices with bright peels and juicy interiors, two cinnamon sticks with rough textured bark, a thin piece of fresh ginger peeled and sliced showing pale yellow inside, a small white ceramic bowl containing amber maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl holding finely ground brown nutmeg powder, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Apple cider: The delicious, naturally sweet and tangy base that brings everything together.
Orange slices: I love how the orange adds a citrus freshness that brightens the cider.
Cinnamon sticks: These infuse the cider with that classic warm spice we all crave in fall and winter drinks.
Fresh ginger: Adds a subtle spicy kick and a bit of warmth that makes the drink more complex.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that is gentler and richer than simple sugar.
Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch to round out the flavor with a cozy aromatic touch.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to adjust the sweetness and spice depending on the occasion — sometimes I'll add a splash of bourbon for a grown-up twist or use honey instead of maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. Feel free to play around to find what you love!

Variation: Once, I added a few cloves and star anise while simmering, which gave it a festive, deep aroma that friends raved about.
Seasonal touch: Try adding a few cranberries when simmering for a tart contrast and pretty garnish.
Diet-friendly: For a vegan or paleo twist, just ensure your maple syrup or sweetener choices match your needs.
Spice level: If you love spice, try grating fresh ginger directly into the mug before serving.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Set Up

Start by collecting 3 cups of apple cider, two orange slices, two cinnamon sticks, a 1-inch piece of peeled and sliced fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Having everything ready makes the simmering process quick and smooth, especially if you’re making this on a chilly evening when you just want your drink ASAP!

Step 2: Combine and Simmer

Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan, then add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, sliced ginger, maple syrup, and nutmeg. Turn the heat to medium and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 5–10 minutes — you’ll notice the orange slices start to change color as the flavors infuse. Keep an eye so the cider doesn’t evaporate too much, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Strain and Serve

Once the flavors have melded, strain the cider through a fine strainer or cheesecloth to remove the solids. Then pour the hot cider into mugs and add back a cinnamon stick and an orange slice for a pretty, fragrant touch. Serve immediately, and enjoy that warm hug in a cup effect!

Top Tip

I’ve made this Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe so many times I’ve seen exactly what makes it perfect every time. My key tips will help you get it right from the start and avoid common mistakes.

Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep your cider at a gentle simmer; boiling can evaporate too much liquid and make the flavors too intense or bitter.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh ginger and orange slices gives the drink brightness, while dried spices can taste flat or stale.
Timing is Key: Simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes—long enough to infuse but not so long the cider loses volume.
Strain Thoroughly: Don’t skip this step! Straining keeps the texture smooth and removes any chewy bits for a better drinking experience.

How to Serve Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe

Garnishes

I like to serve this cider garnished with the orange slices and cinnamon sticks it’s simmered with—they look lovely and add extra aroma while you sip. Sometimes I toss in a few fresh cranberries or even a star anise for a festive touch if it’s a gathering.

Side Dishes

Pairing this cider with fresh-baked soft pretzels, toasted pecans, or even classic pumpkin bread turns an afternoon break into a little celebration. The warm spices in each complement the apple cider beautifully, making it a perfect cozy snack pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve served this cider in clear glass mugs with cinnamon sticks as stirrers and sugared rim glasses for a festive look. Setting the mugs on small wooden boards with a drizzle of maple syrup for guests to add if they want makes it feel like a special ritual.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover cider stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave just before serving again. It’s great for those days when you want a quick cozy drink without starting from scratch.

Freezing

I haven’t personally frozen this cider because the citrus can lose brightness and fresh spices get muddled, but if you want to try, freeze in ice cube trays to add back into hot cider later for a quick flavor boost without watering it down.

Reheating

When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave to avoid overcooking and evaporating the precious liquid. I always add in a fresh cinnamon stick or a splash of fresh orange juice to revive flavors if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular apple juice instead of apple cider?

While you can substitute regular apple juice, keep in mind apple cider has a richer, spicier flavor that really makes this Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe stand out.

How spicy is this cider?

The warmth mainly comes from the cinnamon and fresh ginger. It’s gentle enough for most palates but you can easily adjust the ginger amount up or down to suit your taste preferences.

Can I make this recipe in bulk for a party?

Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients and simmer in a large pot or slow cooker. Keep it warm and stir occasionally to prevent settling.

What’s the best way to sweeten this cider?

I prefer maple syrup for its rich flavor, but honey or brown sugar are great alternatives. Taste as you go to avoid over-sweetening.

Final Thoughts

This Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe feels like a cozy hug in a mug, something I turn to whenever I want to slow down and savor the moment. It’s simple but so satisfying, and I hope you enjoy making and sipping it as much as I do. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become your go-to for chilly days and festive gatherings alike.