When the temperature starts to drop and leaves begin to change, nothing beats wrapping your hands around a warm mug of homemade spiced apple cider. Making it at home might seem like a lot of work, but I’ve found it’s actually pretty straightforward and so much better than store-bought versions. After trying countless methods over the years, I’ve landed on this simple recipe that brings together fresh apples, warming spices, and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re hosting friends for game night or just want to cozy up with a good book, this cider is exactly what you need for those crisp fall days.
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
Brown sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar or a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract for a lower-calorie option. Adjust the quantity to taste, as alternative sweeteners may have different levels of sweetness. For the spices, ground versions can be used in place of whole cloves and allspice if whole spices are unavailable. Use about 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves and 1/8 teaspoon of ground allspice as substitutes. Apple cider can be substituted with unsweetened apple juice for a lighter flavor, or a mixture of apple juice and water for a less intense taste. If using juice, reduce the amount of added sugar to maintain the desired sweetness level. These substitutions allow for dietary flexibility while preserving the warm, spiced flavor profile of the cider.
| Preparation Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Total Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 300-350
- Protein: 1-3 g
- Fat: 0-1 g
- Carbohydrates: 75-80 g
Ingredients
- 1 large orange, quartered (preferably organic, washed well)
- 2 quarts apple cider (good quality, like Martinelli’s)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp whole allspice
Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Maker Basket
Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients for your apple cider brew.
Place a filter in the basket of an automatic coffee maker.
Add the following ingredients directly into the basket: brown sugar, a cinnamon stick, cloves, allspice, a pinch of salt, and a dash of nutmeg.
Top these ingredients with fresh orange wedges to infuse the brew with a citrusy note.
Step 2: Fill the Water Reservoir with Apple Cider
Carefully pour apple cider into the water reservoir of your coffee maker.
Ensure you have enough cider to brew a sufficient quantity for serving.
Step 3: Brew the Cider
With all ingredients in place, start the coffee maker just as you would for a typical brew.
Allow the machine to run its cycle, during which the apple cider will steep through the spice-filled basket, absorbing the flavors.
Step 4: Serve the Hot Brew
Once the brewing process is complete, serve the hot spiced apple cider immediately.
Pour into mugs and savor the aromatic blend of spices and citrus with each sip.
Enjoy your warming beverage!
