Hot Spiced Citrus Cider

Name: Hot Spiced Citrus Cider
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 50 cl of hard cider (sweet); 1 lemons ((zest + 2 slices)); 2 sticks of cinnamon; 2 stars of star anise; 2 pods of cardamom; 1 sprig of rosemary; 1 pears (thinly sliced)

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Hot, fragrant, spiced drink with a fluid texture and a warming feel 🌡️✨
Notes of cinnamon and star anise stand out, balanced by the tartness of the lemon and the sweetness of the cider 🍋🌿
👉 Ideal as a Christmas drink, winter afternoon treat, or non-alcoholic alternative to mulled wine.
👉 Keeps 48 hours in the refrigerator, reheat gently without boiling.

Total time: 20 min
Prep: 5 min
Cook: 15 min
Difficulty: Easy
Per person: €1.25

By the CookinBreak team

Ingredients 7

servings

Estimated cost €2.50

Equipment

Saucepan
Ladle
Cutting board
Glass
Knife
Zesteror vegetable peeler

Instructions

Tap a number to check off the step, and a time to start a timer.

Pour the cider into a saucepan and add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cardamom.

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Goes well with

🎅 Christmas: all recipes

With drinks

Creamy Shrimp Rolls

25 minEasy

As a main

Roast Christmas Goose

3 h 30Medium

For dessert

Gingerbread Chocolate Tart

1 hEasy

Nutrition facts

per serving · estimate

110kcal

Protein1 g3%
Carbs26 g89%
Fat1 g8%
Fiber2 g

Share of each nutrient in the calories of one serving.

Good to know

Chef's tip

Never let the cider boil: above 75–80°C, the fruity aromas evaporate quickly 🔥
Steep slowly over low heat to keep a clean, balanced aroma profile 👌

Freezing : Can you freeze this recipe?

Yes

Up to 1 month in an airtight container. The fruit will lose texture and the flavors may fade.

Storage : How long does it keep?

Can be made ahead to let the flavors infuse. Keeps 2-3 days max in an airtight bottle in the fridge.

Making ahead : Can you make it the day before?

Yes

Cold maceration of the spices and citrus in the cider can be done the day before for more intense flavors. Heat just before serving.

Reheating : How do you reheat it?

Saucepan over low heat or microwave. Do not boil, to preserve the aromas and the residual alcohol.

Variations

Garnish with a pear slice and a rosemary sprig.
Strain if needed before serving.
Add the lemon slices during steeping.

Mistakes to avoid

Boiling the cider: heat over low heat without ever bringing it to a boil.
Forgetting to stir: stir gently for a fragrant infusion.
Serving without straining: strain if needed.

Frequently asked questions

How do you make hot spiced cider?

Pour 50 cl of sweet cider into a saucepan with cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, lemon zest, and lemon slices, heat over low heat for 15 minutes without boiling, strain, and garnish with pear and rosemary.

Why shouldn't you boil the cider?

Heat over low heat for 15 minutes, never bringing it to a boil, stirring gently: the infusion stays fragrant and fluid, with notes of cinnamon and star anise.

What spices go in hot cider?

Two cinnamon sticks, two star anise, and two cardamom pods, with the zest of one lemon and two slices, plus a rosemary sprig.

How do you serve hot cider?

Strain if needed, then pour hot into glasses, with a thin pear slice and a rosemary sprig as garnish.