Name: Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups apple cider; 2 slices of orange; 2 cinnamon sticks; 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced; 1 Tbsp maple syrup; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

There's nothing quite like settling in with a cozy cup of cider that's warm, fragrant, and just a little bit special. This Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe brings together comforting spices and bright citrus to create a drink that’s both soothing and uplifting — perfect for chilly afternoons or evening gatherings.

Two clear glass mugs filled with warm light brown liquid each have a cinnamon stick placed vertically inside. One mug also has a thin lemon slice floating on top, adding a pale yellow layer against the light brown drink. Both mugs sit on a brown wooden surface, next to a light brown pinecone decorated with white edges and a small light blue leaf. A small part of a bright orange fruit is visible at the bottom right corner. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I make this Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe whenever I want something that feels homey instantly. It’s straightforward but filled with flavors that dance together beautifully — like a warm hug in a mug.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of them in your pantry, which means no special trips to the store.
Beautiful Aroma: The mixture of cinnamon, orange, and ginger fills your kitchen with an irresistible scent that makes the whole experience special.
Customizable Warmth: You can easily dial up or down the spices to match exactly how you like your cider.
Quick and Easy to Make: It only takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, so you can enjoy it anytime without fuss.

Two clear glass mugs filled with warm brown liquid topped with half lemon slices and cinnamon sticks lie on a white marbled surface that looks like a wooden table. One woman's hand with mauve nail polish holds the left mug by its handle from above, and another woman's hand with light skin and a small tattoo gently grips the right mug handle from the side. Around the mugs, there are light brown pinecones with white tips, cinnamon sticks piled together, lemon slices, and one whole orange. The whole scene looks cozy and warm. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe plays its own distinct role — the spices warm you up, the orange adds brightness, and the maple syrup brings a gentle sweetness that’s never overpowering. Here’s what to look for when you shop:

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden apple cider, two fresh orange slices with bright peels and juicy interiors, two cinnamon sticks with rough textured bark, a thin piece of fresh ginger peeled and sliced showing pale yellow inside, a small white ceramic bowl containing amber maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl holding finely ground brown nutmeg powder, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Apple cider: Choose fresh, high-quality apple cider—not apple juice—for that rich, authentic apple flavor.
Orange slices: Using whole slices with the peel adds a lovely zesty aroma and a touch of bitterness to balance the sweet cider.
Cinnamon sticks: Whole sticks infuse flavor better than ground cinnamon for simmering, plus they look great in your mug.
Fresh ginger: Adds a subtle spicy kick and complements the warm spices perfectly.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that enhances the depth of flavor while keeping it wholesome.
Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds that cozy spice note without overwhelming the drink.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste. Whether you want it sweeter, spicier, or with a boozy twist, it welcomes your creativity.

Variation: I’ve kicked this up with a splash of bourbon for festive nights — it turns this comforting drink into a grown-up treat.
For less spice: Cut back on ginger or cinnamon if you prefer a milder flavor; you’ll still get that cozy cider vibe.
Make it fruity: Toss in some frozen cranberries during simmering for added tartness and a pop of color.
Sweet alternatives: Honey works beautifully instead of maple syrup, depending on what you have on hand.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe

Step 1: Gather Your Cozy Crew

I like to lay everything out on the counter before I start—apple cider, fresh ginger sliced thin, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, maple syrup, and a pinch of nutmeg. Having your ingredients ready makes the whole process seamless.

Step 2: Warm the Magic

Add the cider, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, ginger slices, maple syrup, and nutmeg to a small saucepan. Bring it all to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. You want to watch the orange slices start to change color – that’s your sign the flavors are blending perfectly. Don’t let it boil or you’ll lose volume and some of that precious flavor.

Step 3: Strain and Serve

After simmering for about 5 to 10 minutes, carefully strain the cider through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to catch all the bits of spice and orange peel. Pour it into your favorite mugs and pop in a fresh cinnamon stick and a slice of orange for an inviting finish.

Top Tip

Making this Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe got easier for me once I nailed down how long to simmer—but don’t let timing stress you out. Here are a few nuggets from my own kitchen experiments to help you nail it too.

Simmer Gently: Keeping the heat low prevents the cider from evaporating too much and preserves all those vibrant flavors.
Fresh Ginger Matters: Freshly sliced ginger makes a world of difference compared to pre-ground—it gives a crisp, warming bite.
Orange Color Cue: When the orange slices take on a slightly translucent look, you know the cider is infused and ready.
Don’t Skip Straining: It keeps your cider smooth and ensures the experience is all about sipping comfort without any surprises.

How to Serve Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe

Garnishes

I always toss in an extra cinnamon stick and a fresh orange slice per mug—it looks pretty and amps up the aroma as you sip. Sometimes, adding a star anise or a few cloves makes a beautiful garnish and adds that subtle hint of complexity.

Side Dishes

This cider pairs wonderfully with spiced cookies, buttery scones, or even a slice of pumpkin bread. When I’m snacking, the warm spices of the cider just enhance those treats perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday entertaining, I like serving the cider in a beautiful glass pitcher with floating orange wheels and cinnamon sticks. It instantly becomes a centerpiece and invites guests to pour themselves a cup of warmth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I store the cider in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you want another cup, just warm it gently on the stove—it keeps the flavors fresh and lively without any bitterness.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze this cider because the texture changes slightly once thawed, but if you want to, freezing in ice cube trays works well. Just thaw and slowly warm enough to drink!

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Avoid microwaving straight from cold because it can sometimes dull the fresh flavors. Adding a fresh cinnamon stick during reheating can revive the aroma nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider in this recipe?

While you can use apple juice if that’s what you have, apple cider has a richer, less processed flavor that really makes this Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe shine. If using juice, you might want to reduce any added sweetener.

How long can I keep leftover warm apple cider?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, leftover cider stays good for around 3 days. For the best experience, gently reheat it before serving rather than boiling or microwaving.

Can I make this cider ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cider up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, warm it on the stove and add fresh garnishes for a fresh presentation.

What’s the best way to add extra spice without overpowering the cider?

Start with small additions of spices like cloves, star anise, or cardamom pods. Simmer them gently and taste frequently to keep the balance just right. Removing them early can prevent bitter notes.

Final Thoughts

This Warm Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Orange Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen, especially when the air turns crisp and you just want to slow down. It's a simple pleasure that feels both festive and everyday — a reminder that sometimes the best recipes are the ones that bring comfort, flavor, and a little bit of joy all at once. I hope you give it a try and find it as cozy and satisfying as I do.