The holidays call for something warm, fragrant, and shared a drink that fills your kitchen with cinnamon and cheer.
This Hot Cranberry Apple Cider is pure cozy magic in a mug: sweet apples, tart cranberries, and the perfect blend of holiday spices simmered together until your whole home smells like Christmas morning.
It’s caffeine-free, alcohol-free, and simple enough to make in your slow cooker or on the stove. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or sipping it while wrapping gifts, this cider brings comfort to every age safe for kids, pregnancy, and breastfeeding alike.
I make this one every December, and it’s become a family tradition. The girls love the color; I love the calm. It’s a little cup of joy that tastes like the holidays feel bright, cozy, and made with love.
How to make Hot Cranberry Apple Cider — the coziest holiday drink
This Hot Cranberry Apple Cider is made with real fruit, whole spices, and natural sweetness no caffeine, no alcohol, just pure holiday comfort.
Everything simmers together into a ruby-red drink that tastes like Christmas in a mug.
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider (or apple juice)
The cozy base of your drink : sweet, rich, and full of that orchard flavor that makes every holiday feel special. - 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
They add a beautiful color and that perfect tart sparkle to balance the sweetness. - 1 orange, sliced
Brightens up the flavor and adds a little citrusy twist that feels festive and fresh. - 3–4 cinnamon sticks
Warm and comforting : the scent that says “holiday season” the moment it hits the pan. - 4–5 whole cloves
Tiny but powerful! Cloves give that deep, spicy note you find in old-fashioned cider. - 1–2 star anise pods (optional)
For a hint of sophistication : it makes the cider smell like a cozy bakery. - 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional)
Adds a gentle sweetness if you like it richer, and makes the whole blend silky and smooth. - 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries or ground allspice (optional)
For that extra “holiday spice” warmth : perfect if you love a little depth in your cider.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
This recipe fills your home with warmth, color, and that magical cinnamon scent that makes everyone drift toward the kitchen.
Step 1: Combine everything in your pot or slow cooker
Add apple cider, cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and allspice to a large pot or slow cooker.
Give it a gentle stir to mix the fruits and spices it already smells like the holidays.
Mama Tip: Use a slow cooker if you want your house to smell amazing all day. It keeps the cider warm for guests without overcooking it.
Step 2: Simmer and let the magic happen
If cooking on the stovetop, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low.
Let it simmer 20–30 minutes, or until the cranberries start to pop and the flavors blend together.
If using a slow cooker, cook on low for *2–3 hours.
Step 3: Sweeten to taste
Taste the cider if you’d like it a little sweeter, add maple syrup or honey and stir gently until it dissolves.
Some apples are naturally sweet, so adjust based on your preference.
Step 4: Strain and serve
Use a fine mesh strainer or ladle to remove the spices and fruit slices.
Pour the cider into mugs and serve warm, garnished with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange if you want that café-style touch.
Step 5: Keep it warm & festive
If you’re hosting, keep the cider on low in the slow cooker and let guests serve themselves.
You can even add a few extra cranberries on top for color it looks beautiful on the table.
Equipment
- large pot or slow cooker
- wooden spoon
- fine mesh strainer
- ladle
- serving mugs
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider or apple juice
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 orange, sliced
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks
- 4–5 whole cloves
- 1–2 star anise pods (optional)
- 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
- 1 tsp whole allspice berries or ground allspice (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot or slow cooker, add apple cider, cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and allspice. Stir gently to combine.
- If using the stovetop: bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low. Simmer for 20–30 minutes, or until cranberries begin to pop and spices infuse.
If using a slow cooker: cook on low for 2–3 hours. - Taste the cider. If you’d like it sweeter, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey. Mix until fully dissolved.
- Strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Discard solids. Pour the cider into mugs for serving.
- Garnish with cinnamon sticks, orange slices, or extra cranberries if desired. Serve warm. Keep in a slow cooker on low during gatherings to stay hot and fragrant.
Notes
Nutrition
COZY TIPS & EASY VARIATIONS
(Because every family has its own way to make the holidays warm)
Tip 1: Add a citrus twist
If you love a bright, zesty flavor, squeeze in a little fresh orange or lemon juice before serving.
It wakes up the sweetness and makes the color glow even more.
Tip 2: Adjust the sweetness naturally
Taste before adding extra sweetener some apple ciders are already quite sweet.
If you need more, maple syrup adds richness, while honey keeps things light and floral.
Both blend beautifully without overpowering the spices.
Tip 3: Make it ahead for gatherings
This cider actually gets better as it sits!
Make it a day in advance, let the flavors blend overnight, then reheat gently before serving.
Perfect for Thanksgiving brunches or Christmas Eve.
Tip 4: Serve it two ways — family & grown-ups
For the whole family: serve warm and fragrant as-is.
For adults: offer a small splash of bourbon or rum on the side for those who want a festive twist (but keep mama’s mug pure and cozy.
Tip 5: Keep it warm and glowing
If you’re hosting, transfer it to a slow cooker on low and float a few orange slices and cranberries on top.
It doubles as a festive centerpiece your house will smell like cinnamon heaven.
Tip 6: Make it kid-friendly (and toddler-safe)
This cider is naturally non-alcoholic and caffeine-free safe for kids and perfect for cozy family nights.
Let little ones sip it warm in small mugs while you share stories by the tree.
FAQ
Can I make this Hot Cranberry Apple Cider in a slow cooker?
Yes and it’s my favorite way! Add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 2–3 hours.
It keeps the cider warm and fragrant for hours perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
Can I use bottled apple juice instead of fresh cider?
Absolutely. Bottled 100% apple juice works beautifully just make sure it’s unsweetened, so you can control the flavor.
If it’s already sweet, skip the maple syrup or honey at the end.
Can I serve it chilled instead of hot?
Yes! After simmering, let the cider cool completely, strain, and refrigerate.
It becomes a refreshing cranberry apple punch ideal for brunch or daytime holiday parties.
How long does homemade cider last?
Store leftovers in a sealed jar or pitcher in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop (avoid boiling so the flavor stays balanced).
Can I make this ahead for a holiday party?
Yes it’s even better the next day!
The flavors deepen overnight, and you can simply warm it before serving.
Bonus: your house will smell like a cinnamon candle when you reheat it.
A Sip of Holiday Comfort
The best part of the holidays isn’t the big dinners or the presents — it’s the little, quiet moments.
Like this one: holding a warm mug of Cranberry Apple Cider, the scent of cinnamon in the air, your family laughing in the background.
It’s simple, but that’s the magic real, homemade comfort you can share with everyone you love.
This cider feels like a hug in a cup, the kind that brings warmth to both hands and heart.
