Quick & Easy Holiday Spiced Apple Cider Recipe (with DIY Christmas Gift Option!) - A Country Girl's Life (2024)

| CRAFTING, FOOD, FREE PRINTABLES

Is there a special treat or recipe that you have once or twice a year? There’s something unmistakably special about it. Maybe it’s a flavor or aroma that reminds you of your childhood or perhaps a special moment in time? I have a special recipe like that and I know you’re going to love it just as much as I do! My family holiday spiced apple cider recipe will fill your entire house with an unmistakable aroma you’ll wish you could bottle! I’ll even show you a DIY Christmas gift you’ll easily be able to re-create at home!

Quick & Easy Holiday Spiced Apple Cider Recipe (with DIY Christmas Gift Option!) - A Country Girl's Life (1)

I’ve tried many spiced apple cider recipes (and even bought that powdered spiced apple cider in a box during a winter time craving once). Nothing…and I mean nothing compares to this recipe.The best part is that you can multiply this spiced apple cider recipe and make large quantities to feed a crowd. Your holiday guests will be absolutely amazed and delighted with this special treat.

Quick & Easy Holiday Spiced Apple Cider Recipe (with DIY Christmas Gift Option!) - A Country Girl's Life (2)

This trusted family recipe has been passed down for years in my family. I love making large batches for Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner and large winter time gatherings like the neighborhood cookie exchange. My pot is usually empty by the end of the event!

Quick & Easy Holiday Spiced Apple Cider Recipe (with DIY Christmas Gift Option!) - A Country Girl's Life (3)

It’s so easy to throw this spiced apple cider recipe in my percolating coffee pot or Crockpot and in a short amount of time I have a signature drink to serve my guests. If you’re throwing an adult holiday party I suggest having a bottle of Bacardi white rum near your pot to turn this into a signature adult co*cktail.

I always get a ton of compliments and requests for my recipe (so I’m sure you will too)! I’m going to give you everything you need to create a darling little DIY Christmas gift to share with your family and friends! Wouldn’t this be an amazing party favor for your Christmas party guests? I made some printable tags that will fit perfectly under the sealing ring of a 4 ounce Quilted Crystal Ball jam jar. Just take a look at this cute little printable instruction label AND the final product!

Quick & Easy Holiday Spiced Apple Cider Recipe (with DIY Christmas Gift Option!) - A Country Girl's Life (4)
Quick & Easy Holiday Spiced Apple Cider Recipe (with DIY Christmas Gift Option!) - A Country Girl's Life (5)

As mentioned earlier, I use a large percolating coffee pot to incorporate the ingredients (just put all the ingredients in the same area you would normally put the coffee grounds) but you could also use a Crockpot (which I describe a method of using below in my recipe). If you’re planning on using a Crockpot then be sure to have some cheesecloth on hand.

Quick & Easy Holiday Spiced Apple Cider Recipe (with DIY Christmas Gift Option!) - A Country Girl's Life (6)

I love serving my thirsty guests with these cheeky, festive Santa mugs. There’s just something about these cute little mugs that leave a smile on everyone’s face. You can find similar, highly reviewed Santa mugs here.

As promised…I have a way you can turn this spiced apple cider recipe into a super cute DIY Christmas gift for friends, neighbors, co-workers and even those eccentric relatives that are so hard to buy for!

If you clicked over to get that super awesome spiced apple cider recipe to prepare at home for your guests you can scroll down to find my recipe below!

Supply List:

*Sign up for our FREE printables library by subscribing to our FREE email list at the bottom of this page!

One recipe of our spiced apple cider mix will fill one Quilted Crystal Ball 4 Ounce Jam Jars. You’ll need to multiply the recipe by the number of gifts you want to create. Example: If you’re making 12 DIY jar gifts…you’ll need 12 jars and 12 recipes of the spiced apple cider mix.

To make this DIY Christmas gift we are going to provide the dry ingredients from this recipe and provide instructions to the end user on how to prepare it (with our free printable). Basically, we ask the end user to add the jar of dry spiced apple cider mix and the juice of one orange to two quarts of apple cider. Note, most non-refrigerated apple cider and juice come in 2 quart packaging.

World's BEST Holiday Spiced Apple Cider Recipe

Print Recipe

This recipe multiplies easily to suit your number of guests. I use a large percolating coffee pot to incorporate the ingredients (just put all the ingredients in the same area you would normally put the coffee grounds) but you could also use a Crockpot (which I describe a method of using below).

Servings Prep Time
15 Servings 5 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Servings Prep Time
15 Servings 5 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes

World's BEST Holiday Spiced Apple Cider Recipe

Print Recipe

This recipe multiplies easily to suit your number of guests. I use a large percolating coffee pot to incorporate the ingredients (just put all the ingredients in the same area you would normally put the coffee grounds) but you could also use a Crockpot (which I describe a method of using below).

Servings Prep Time
15 Servings 5 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Servings Prep Time
15 Servings 5 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/4 C Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 TS Whole Cloves
  • 2 TS Ground Cinnamon (or 1 Cinnamon Stick)
  • 1/2 TS Allspice
  • 1/4 TS Salt
  • 1/4 TS Nutmeg
  • 1 Large Orange
  • 2 Quarts Apple Cider or Juice
  • Cheese Cloth
  • Bacardi White Rum (optional)

Servings: Servings

Instructions

  1. Combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, allspice, salt and nutmeg in a bowl. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine all ingredients. Set aside.

  2. Quarter 1 large orange. If using a crockpot, wrap orange pieces, whole cloves and cinnamon stick (if you're using cinnamon sticks instead of ground cinnamon) in a piece of cheese cloth. Tie ends of cloth into a knot so that the contents cannot fall out.

  3. Pour apple cider (or plain apple juice in a pinch) into crockpot and set to high. Add the brown sugar and spice ingredients whisked together earlier to the apple cider and mix thoroughly. Add cheesecloth package to the apple cider and cover for 1 hour stirring occasionally until whisked ingredients are fully incorporated. Keep cheese cloth package in pot. Use ladle to serve guests from crockpot.

  4. Percolating Coffee Pot Instructions: Combine all ingredients directly to the area of the pot where you would normally put the coffee grounds (do not used cheese cloth). Set pot to brew/percolate. After percolating set pot on "keep hot" function.

  5. Add a splash of Bacardi White Rum and mix thoroughly to create a signature adult co*cktail for your holiday gathering.

Quick & Easy Holiday Spiced Apple Cider Recipe (with DIY Christmas Gift Option!) - A Country Girl's Life (7)

Distribute the prepared spiced apple cider mix recipe equally among the jars. Slightly flatten the center of the Christmas themed cupcake liners. Place the cupcake liner on top of the lid and twist on the jar sealing ring.Take special care to center the cupcake liner so the ruffled area is equally distributed around the ring of the jar. After you have shaped the cupcake liner you can remove the sealing ring.

Quick & Easy Holiday Spiced Apple Cider Recipe (with DIY Christmas Gift Option!) - A Country Girl's Life (8)

Print out our free jar lid labels printable on white card stock. Card stock is stiffer and won’t wrinkle or crinkle when you twist on the sealing ring. I love using the Fiskars Circle Cutter Tool to cut out these round labels because I get perfect circles every time. If you are the crafty type I promise you won’t regret this purchase. I use this circle cutter all the time because I am absolutely TERRIBLE at cutting out circles! If you have a steady hand you can use a pair of scissors.

Quick & Easy Holiday Spiced Apple Cider Recipe (with DIY Christmas Gift Option!) - A Country Girl's Life (9)

Remove the ring and add the printable instructions to the top of the lid. Twist the ring back onto the jar.

Quick & Easy Holiday Spiced Apple Cider Recipe (with DIY Christmas Gift Option!) - A Country Girl's Life (10)

Wrap a long length ofbakers twine around the top of the jar three times and tie a double knot or bow.

Quick & Easy Holiday Spiced Apple Cider Recipe (with DIY Christmas Gift Option!) - A Country Girl's Life (11)

Isn’t that a sweet little DIY Christmas gift? Quick and easy is how I like it! I’m giving my spiced apple cider mix gifts to neighbors and co-workers. I’m going to put the jar of spiced apple cider mix in a gift basket along with an orange and a bottle of apple cider. I think it will be cute to include a few other items like a Christmas themed dish towel and an olive wood spoon.

You can download our FREE Printable labels inside our printables library. Click the link below to head over there!

Quick & Easy Holiday Spiced Apple Cider Recipe (with DIY Christmas Gift Option!) - A Country Girl's Life (12)

I hope you enjoyed this super duper easy DIY Christmas gift. If you enjoy what we do here I hope you’ll consider joining the thousands of monthly email subscribers by leaving us your contact info below at the bottom of this page. You can also check out some similar posts below!

Don’t Forget to Pin This Spiced Apple Cider Recipe for Later!

Quick & Easy Holiday Spiced Apple Cider Recipe (with DIY Christmas Gift Option!) - A Country Girl's Life (18)

Lisa J.

Chief Creative Officer at A Country Girls Life Media | + posts

A glue gun in one hand, a whisk in the other- that's me in a nutshell! I'm the heart and soul behind acountrygirlslife.com. I've been crafty since childhood so I'm your go-to girl for everything crafty, delicious, and DIY. From clever crafts & printables to mouth-watering bakes- I believe in sprinkling a little handmade magic into every day. I'll help you find your creative niche at home!

Quick & Easy Holiday Spiced Apple Cider Recipe (with DIY Christmas Gift Option!) - A Country Girl's Life (2024)

FAQs

What is Christmas cider made of? ›

In a 6- to 8-quart pot, combine apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and the steeped tea. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Discard the cinnamon sticks and cloves.

What goes well with spiced apple cider? ›

Hot Spiked Cider Pairings
  • Apple Pie or Apple Crisp. ...
  • Cheddar Cheese and Crackers. ...
  • Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts. ...
  • Sausage and Sage Stuffing. ...
  • Pumpkin or Butternut Squash Soup. ...
  • Caramel Popcorn. ...
  • Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. ...
  • Spiced Nuts.

What is spiced apple cider made of? ›

This spiced apple cider is flavored with whole cloves, allspice, orange, and a cinnamon stick for a delicious warming drink. This recipe uses an automatic coffee maker to brew the hot cider. If you don't own one, heat it in a slow cooker or a saucepan over medium heat on the stovetop.

How to make homemade apple cider alcohol? ›

3. Make Cider by Mixing Juice & Yeast
  1. Mix your juice, yeast, and sugar (adding sugar raises the ABV)
  2. Place the stopper and airlock into the bucket or carboy. Ferment for 10-14 days.
  3. Carbonate and bottle in your choice of beer bottle.
  4. Crack open a cold one and savor the moment!
Sep 10, 2019

What is alcoholic apple cider called? ›

Apple cider is apple juice that has not been filtered and still contains all the apple pieces, pulp, and sediment. It is the raw, purer version of apple juice. To make an alcoholic cider, yeast is added which converts the sugar into alcohol. Simple right? Hard cider is the adult version of apple cider.

What kind of alcohol do you put in apple cider? ›

12 Liquors To Mix With Apple Cider
  • Bourbon and whiskey. Valentyn Volkov/Shutterstock. ...
  • Spiced rum. OLOZANO/Shutterstock. ...
  • Vodka. Igor Dudchak/Getty Images. ...
  • Sparkling wine. Jasmina81/Getty Images. ...
  • RumChata. The Image Party/Shutterstock. ...
  • Drambuie. Jenari/Shutterstock. ...
  • Orange liqueur. ArDanMe/Shutterstock. ...
  • Raspberry liqueur.
Dec 2, 2023

What's the difference between apple cider and spiced apple cider? ›

The process for making apple cider and spiced apple cider is the same. The main difference is that spiced apple cider is, well, spiced! It typically has been infused with flavors of different warm spices (like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg) versus regular apple cider which gets its flavor solely from the apples.

What pairs well with apple cider? ›

Cider works well with most vegetables that are in season, and sweet ciders in particular are great when paired with roasted autumnal vegetables like onions or fennel. Cider famously pairs with cheese; cheddar is the most popular choice. However, cider also works very well with creamy cheese like brie and camembert.

What can I add to cider to make it taste better? ›

Mulling spices

Combine classic warming spices like clove, allspice and cinnamon in your cider for an especially autumnal treat.

Does spiced apple cider need to be refrigerated? ›

No need to refrigerate, apple cider is just a fresh, squeezed apple. Apple Juice starts out as a cider, and is then heated to pasteurize the product. This process makes the juice rack stable, meaning it doesn't need to be refrigerated until opened and has a long shelf life.

Can I just heat up apple cider? ›

1. Combine apple juice or apple cider with cloves and cinnamon in a microwaveable mug, cup or glass. 2. Heat in the microwave oven, uncovered, for 2 to 3 minutes.

Is spiced apple cider good for diabetics? ›

Yes, just in small quantities since the cider has sugar (meaning 6 oz. max). Don't add any more sugar (including cinnamon which often has sugar mixed with it).

How long does it take for apple cider to turn into alcohol? ›

At room temperature and without added sugar, 4–5 days. If it's colder, or if you've added more sugar (to boost the alcohol), it could take weeks or even months. Generally, even refrigerated cider will begin fermenting noticeably within a week or two, unless it has preservatives in it to prevent microbial growth.

How to make good cider at home? ›

Instructions
  1. Combine your ingredients in a stockpot. Add the apples, oranges, cinnamon, cloves and (optional) extra seasonings to a large stockpot. ...
  2. Simmer. Heat the cider over high heat until it reaches a simmer. ...
  3. Mash the apples and oranges. ...
  4. Strain. ...
  5. Sweeten. ...
  6. Serve warm.
Nov 9, 2018

Can apple cider be turned into alcohol? ›

When cider starts to “turn” it begins to become carbonated as fermentation turns it into alcohol. As cider becomes exposed to oxygen, airborne yeast mixes with the cider's natural sugars to produce acid. With this process, apple cider becomes alcoholic and eventually similar to vinegar.

What are ciders made of? ›

Cider (cyder, United States: hard cider) is an alcoholic beverage produced by the fermentation of apple juice; a related product, perry (also known as pear cider) is produced by the fermentation of pear juice. Cider and perry have been produced for more than 2000 years in temperate areas of the world.

What are the main ingredients in cider? ›

More typically on Cider A you might see; Cider A Ingredients. Water, Apple Juice (from concentrate), Glucose, Malic Acid (E296), Caramel (E150d), Carbon Dioxide, Sulphite (E220), Potassium Sorbate (E202).

What alcohol is drunk on Christmas? ›

Classic Bucks Fizz/Mimosa. The classic morning drink for Christmas is orange juice with a little fizz in it. There are plenty of options for adding fizz to orange juice, from Cava, prosecco or Crémant to decadent Champagnes and even a little spirit should one need the extra pick me up.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Duane Harber

Last Updated:

Views: 6143

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Duane Harber

Birthday: 1999-10-17

Address: Apt. 404 9899 Magnolia Roads, Port Royceville, ID 78186

Phone: +186911129794335

Job: Human Hospitality Planner

Hobby: Listening to music, Orienteering, Knapping, Dance, Mountain biking, Fishing, Pottery

Introduction: My name is Duane Harber, I am a modern, clever, handsome, fair, agreeable, inexpensive, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.