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This hot spiced apple cider from apple juice is the easiest way to enjoy a cozy, homemade apple cider recipe without needing fresh apples or fresh-pressed cider.
Using ordinary apple juice from the grocery store, you can create a delicious drink by adding whole spices, orange slices, and a little bit of maple syrup or brown sugar.
Whether you’re hosting an open house, Thanksgiving gathering, or cozy fall bonfire, this flavorful cider is the perfect way to welcome guests and celebrate the season!
If this is your first time making cider at home, you’ll be surprised how easy this recipe is. Using store-bought apple cider or pure juice gives the best flavor without worrying about what type of apples to use. During the fall season, we also love making other cozy drinks like homemade pumpkin spice lattes, easy healthy hot cocoa, London fog tea lattes, and vanilla lattes.
A warm cup of cider pairs beautifully with fall desserts like apple crumb cake, pumpkin chocolate brownies, or these easy baked pumpkin donuts. For something quick, try this easy skillet pumpkin cobbler that takes only 30 minutes to cook!
Why You’ll Love Apple Cider from Apple Juice
- Family-Friendly: Just like apple crisp or apple fritters, this is a fall recipe that will quickly become a tradition! Warm apple flavors combined with spices like cinnamon and cloves make a delicious drink for this time of year.
- Cheap to Make: No need for fresh apples or a cider press! Store-bought cider or apple juice with a few other simple ingredients are all you need for this recipe.
- Perfect for Gatherings: A large pot of cider simmering in the slow cooker will fill your home with inviting fall aromas, perfect for holidays or family nights. This cozy recipe makes 16 servings, which is enough for everyone to enjoy.
Ingredients
Find the full list of ingredients, amounts, and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Apple Juice or Fresh Apple Cider: Use 1 gallon of store-bought apple juice, or if available, fresh apple cider from a local orchard for a richer flavor.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Whole cinnamon sticks give the sweet cider a cozy, spiced warmth.
- Star Anise: Whole star anise adds a unique depth that helps turn simple apple juice into a cozy, hot cider.
- Orange Slices: A few slices of orange add a fresh sweetness and beautiful garnish.
- Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup: Completely optional, but perfect if you prefer a sweeter cider.
- Cloves: Whole cloves give the cider a classic fall spice flavor.
Equipment
How to Make Apple Cider from Apple Juice
Here are the step-by-step instructions for making homemade apple cider.
Step 1: Add all of the ingredients into a stock pot or Dutch oven. Being careful not to boil, heat over medium heat until hot and steaming.
Step 2: Once the apple cider is hot, lower the heat to low-medium and allow to simmer for 30 minutes.
Step 3: After 30 minutes, strain the oranges and spices from the cider.
Step 4: Transfer the cider to a crockpot to keep warm, if desired.
Step 5: Serve warm; add your favorite garnishes, and enjoy!
How to Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Tips
- The oranges can take on a bitter taste if left in the cider for too long, so it’s important to remove them after you have warmed the apple cider.
- Garnishes are optional, but are an elegant addition if you are hosting a gathering or party!
Recipe FAQs
Yes, in this recipe, you can use apple juice in place of apple cider for an easy way to make hot spiced apple cider.
Apple juice may be sweet enough without the added sugar, so the sweetener is optional. You may want to taste it before you decide to add the sugar or maple syrup.
More Fall Recipes
- Pumpkin Chocolate Brownies
- Easy Apple Crisp
- Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Apple Crumb Cake
- Apple Spice Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you make this recipe and enjoy it, please leave a comment with a 5-star recipe rating and let me know! Thank you so much!
Apple Cider from Apple Juice
Equipment
Ingredients
Cider:
- 1 gallon apple juice or fresh apple cider if available
- 5 cinnamon sticks
- 2 whole star anise
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 orange, cut into slices
- 2/3 cup brown sugar, or maple syrup, optional
Garnishes:
- Cranberries, star anise, cinnamon sticks, sliced apples. For an even sweeter taste you can top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients into a large Dutch oven or stock pot. Being careful not to boil, heat over medium heat until hot and steaming.
- Once the apple cider is hot, lower the heat to low-medium and allow to simmer for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, strain the oranges and spices from the cider.
- Transfer the cider to a crockpot to keep warm, if desired.
- Serve warm, add your favorite garnishes and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This recipe turns simple store-bought apple juice into a cozy, spiced cider that’s full of warmth and flavor!