YaYa's Holiday Cider

Holiday Cider has always been one of those comfort scents that fills my whole house and makes everyone gather around the kitchen. The warm apple cider blends with cinnamon candies, cloves, and fresh orange to create a festive drink that is bright, sweet, and full of cozy spice. It is simple, reliable, and perfect for Christmas mornings, winter evenings, or anytime you want a little holiday warmth in your hands. This is the kind of recipe Mama Shirley loved to simmer during December because it brought everyone together without any fuss, and it still does the same for my own family today.

Course beverage, Drinks, Holiday

Cuisine American

Keyword holiday cider, Christmas drinks, warm apple cider, cinnamon spice cider, winter beverages, holiday entertaining, stovetop cider

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Servings 12 Servings

Calories 150kcal

Ingredients

1 medium orange
1½ teaspoons whole cloves
1 gallon apple cider
¾ cup red cinnamon candies
2 cinnamon sticks 3 inches each

Instructions

Slice the orange into 6 wedges.
Press whole cloves into the orange wedges and set aside.
Pour the apple cider into a Dutch oven.
Add the red cinnamon candies and warm over medium heat.
Stir occasionally until the candies dissolve completely and the cider is heated through.
Add the clove-studded orange wedges and cinnamon sticks.
Reduce heat to low and let the flavors blend for several minutes before serving.
Ladle into heatproof mugs and enjoy warm.