Spiced (or Spiked) Hot Cider is a large batch mocktail or cocktail. This cider has warm winter flavors with the option to add a little booze!

With Thanksgiving just two days away, I know that hosts, hostesses and weary travelers are feeling the stress of the holiday season. Let's relieve some of that stress with a Thanksgiving Signature Cocktail! Now, I know that you are thinking signature cocktails are just for weddings. Well, I disagree. I love an opportunity to celebrate and I love an opportunity to make a cocktail (or mocktail) for everyone to try!

I made this Spiced Hot Cider over the weekend and had my whole family try both the mocktail and cocktail version. It got a thumbs up all around. This can be served either hot or cold. If it's chilly where you live, serving it hot is the way to go. If you are serving this on Thanksgiving and have 30 people in the house with 2 ovens and a stove going, you may just want to keep it cool. Everyone will thank you for a refreshing drink!

Let's Talk Ingredients....

Apple Cider- I suggest using a local apple cider if you can. Delaware folks, I love Fifers Cider!
Fresh squeezed orange juice- If you don't have oranges, feel free to use bottled orange juice.
Maple Syrup- not pancake syrup! A good alternative to maple syrup is honey!
Orange slices
Grated ginger- Use more or less depending on your spice tolerance. I suggest using about a tablespoon and there was no spice.
Cinnamon sticks
Chai Tea Bags
Whole cloves

Let's Make Spiced (or Spiked) Hot Cider!

I will be including the directions to make this hot. However, if you want to serve this cold, follow the below instructions for stovetop cooking and allow cider to sit in the refrigerator for at least two hours prior to serving.

To either a large pot or crockpot, add the apple cider, orange juice and maple syrup. If preparing on the stove, bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn down to a simmer and add all remaining ingredients. If using the crock pot, add all ingredients and turn to low. Let cook on low for 4-6 hours until ready to serve. Before serving remove the tea bags and cloves. Serve with orange slices.

Time to Spike the Hot Cider!

I suggest serving the cider with the alcohol on the side. Because this is a hot drink, you do not want the alcohol to burn off in the cooking process (that would be a shame). You also want to allow your guests to gauge the amount of booze in their drink. You have a few options for booze:

Vodka- I like to use a flavored vodka here! Prairie Apple, Ginger & Pear has zero sugar and is delicious in cider!
Bourbon- I like High West Double Rye.
Tequila- I recommend using a clear tequila.

If you are looking for a different drink option, try this Chai Cider Whiskey! It is very similar to the Hot Cider, however, it is sweetened with a Maple Chai Simple Syrup.

Cheers, everyone! If you make this recipe, please leave a comment or tag @delmarvaliciousdishes!

Print Recipe

Spiced (or Spiked) Hot Cider

Ingredients

12 cup Apple Cider
½ cup Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice (from about 2 oranges)
¼ cup Maple Syrup
Orange Slices
3 Chai Tea Bags
1 teaspoon Whole Cloves
2 Cinnamon Sticks
1 tablespoon Fresh Grated Ginger
Bourbon, Vodka or Tequila to serve (optional)

Instructions

To a crock pot, add all ingredients. Allow to cook for about 3 hours. Once ready to serve, remove the tea bags and whole cloves.
If making on the stovetop, add all ingredients. Turn stovetop to lowest setting. Keep warm for an hour. The cider should not come to a simmer. Once ready to serve, remove the tea bags and whole cloves.
Add alcohol when ready to serve.
Cheers and enjoy!