There’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of Hot Cranberry Cider when the temperature drops. This cozy drink has been my go-to during holiday gatherings for years—it strikes that magical balance between tangy cranberries and sweet apple cider, with warm spices that make your kitchen smell like Christmas morning. My friends always ask for this recipe when they come over, and I love how simple it is to whip up. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need something to warm you up after a snowy walk, this Hot Cranberry Cider feels like a hug in a mug.
Hot Cranberry Cider Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy drink:
- 4 cups cranberry juice (I always use 100% juice for the best flavor)
- 4 cups apple cider (not apple juice—it makes a difference!)
- 1/4 cup honey (adjust to taste if you like it sweeter)
- 2 cinnamon sticks (whole, for easy removal later)
- 6 whole cloves (they add that warm, spicy depth)
- 1 orange, sliced (don’t skip this—it brightens the whole drink)
How to Make Hot Cranberry Cider
Trust me—this couldn’t be simpler. I’ve made this Hot Cranberry Cider so many times I could probably do it blindfolded (though I don’t recommend trying that near a hot stove). Here’s how to get that perfect balance of flavors every time:
Step 1: Combine Liquids and Sweetener
Grab your favorite big pot (mine’s this beat-up enamel one that’s seen better days) and pour in the cranberry juice and apple cider. Warm it over medium heat—you’ll see little bubbles start forming at the edges, but don’t let it boil! Stir in the honey until it dissolves completely. This is when the magic starts—the steam smells incredible already.
Step 2: Add Spices and Citrus
Now for the fun part! Toss in those cinnamon sticks and whole cloves (whole means no fishing out ground spices later). Drop in your orange slices—I like to give them a little squeeze as they go in to release some juice. The citrus oils will make your whole kitchen smell amazing.
Step 3: Simmer and Strain
Turn the heat down to low and let everything get friendly for about 15 minutes. This simmer time is crucial—it lets the spices really infuse the cider. You’ll know it’s ready when the color deepens to a gorgeous ruby red. Strain it through a fine mesh sieve into mugs (or your prettiest heatproof pitcher if you’re feeling fancy). Don’t forget to fish out those cinnamon sticks—they make great stirrers!
Why You’ll Love This Hot Cranberry Cider
There’s so much to adore about this cozy drink—here’s why it’s become my winter staple:
- Instant warmth: One sip of this Hot Cranberry Cider and you’ll feel the chill melt away (bonus points for curling up with it under a blanket).
- Perfect flavor balance: Tart cranberries play off sweet apple cider, while cinnamon and cloves add just the right spice—no one flavor overpowers.
- Effortless to make: No fancy techniques here—just dump, simmer, and strain. Even my kids can help!
- Smells like the holidays: Your house will smell like a December dream before the first mug’s even poured.
Hot Cranberry Cider Variations
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak! Here are the variations I’ve tested and loved:
- Swap honey for maple syrup if you want a deeper, earthier sweetness (about 1/4 cup does the trick).
- Toss in a star anise pod or two with the spices – it adds a lovely licorice note that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
- For a citrus twist, try using lemon slices instead of orange – super refreshing!
- Add a splash of vanilla extract at the end for extra cozy warmth.
Serving Suggestions for Hot Cranberry Cider
Pair your Hot Cranberry Cider with warm gingerbread cookies or a slice of spiced pumpkin bread for the ultimate cozy treat. Garnish each mug with a cinnamon stick or a fresh orange slice for a festive touch. It’s also delicious alongside sharp cheddar or brie for a sweet-and-savory combo!
Storing and Reheating Hot Cranberry Cider
Leftovers? No problem! Just pour your cooled Hot Cranberry Cider into a jar and pop it in the fridge—it’ll keep for about 4 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove (don’t boil!) and give it a good stir—some separation is totally normal.
Hot Cranberry Cider FAQ
Over the years, I’ve gotten all sorts of questions about this recipe—here are the ones that come up most often:
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of juice?
Absolutely! Just simmer 2 cups of frozen cranberries with the apple cider until they burst (about 10 minutes), then strain before adding other ingredients. You’ll get an even fruitier flavor!
How long does Hot Cranberry Cider keep in the fridge?
It stays delicious for up to 4 days stored in a sealed container. The spices actually deepen in flavor—just reheat gently before serving.
Is there a non-alcoholic version?
This recipe is already alcohol-free! But if you’re feeling festive, a splash of spiced rum or bourbon in each mug takes it to the next level for adult gatherings.
For more information on the health benefits of cranberries, check out this article from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You bet! Combine everything in your crockpot and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours—perfect for keeping it warm at parties without worrying about the stove.
Nutritional Information
Nutrition info is approximate and varies by ingredients used—this Hot Cranberry Cider averages about 120 calories per cup with no fat. Perfectly guilt-free coziness!
PrintHot Cranberry Cider Recipe: 6-Ingredient Cozy Bliss
Hot Cranberry Cider is a warm, comforting drink perfect for chilly days. It combines the tartness of cranberries with sweet apple cider and aromatic spices.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 4 cups cranberry juice
- 4 cups apple cider
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 orange, sliced
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine cranberry juice, apple cider, and honey.
- Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Strain the cider to remove spices and orange slices.
- Serve hot in mugs.
Notes
- Adjust honey to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet drink.
- You can add a splash of rum or bourbon for an adult version.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
