Old English Hot Spiced Cider
Warm and aromatic Old English hot spiced cider combines fragrant spices and sweet cider, perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy evenings with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat cider and brown sugar in a pot until the sugar dissolves.
- Combine all the spices (allspice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange peel if using) and wrap in a piece of cheesecloth.
- Add the spice bundle to the heated cider.
- Simmer over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until flavored to your liking.
- Remove the spice bundle and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of brandy or rum to the cider. If you can't find whole spices, ground spices can be used, but reduce the quantity as they are more potent. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar, and feel free to experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or ginger. This recipe pairs beautifully with Baked Raccoon for a festive gathering.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hot spiced cider in mugs, optionally garnished with a cinnamon stick or orange slice for added visual appeal. It pairs well with seasonal treats like gingerbread cookies or even savory dishes like roasted pork. For a festive twist, create a spiced cider bar by offering various garnishes and spirits for guests to customize their drinks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spiced cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Avoid boiling to maintain the flavor and aroma of the spices. Serve warm, garnished with a cinnamon stick if desired.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old English Hot Spiced Cider contains roughly 1450 calories, with 32g protein, 378g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (426% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (208% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 518mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Yes, you can substitute apple juice for cider, but it will result in a sweeter drink. Consider reducing the amount of brown sugar to balance the flavors. Heating the juice with the spices will still provide a delicious warm beverage, perfect for fall gatherings.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the spiced cider in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving. The flavors may deepen as it sits, making it even more aromatic and flavorful when served hot.
How can I make this recipe non-alcoholic?
This recipe is already non-alcoholic, as it focuses on the spiced flavors of cider. However, if you want to add a festive touch, you can serve it alongside a variety of spirits for those who prefer an alcoholic version. Guests can customize their drinks, ensuring everyone enjoys a warm beverage.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).