Hot cranberry cider is a vibrant, warming drink that’s perfect for the colder months, bringing together the tartness of cranberries and the sweet, spiced flavor of apple cider. This festive beverage is perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy evenings by the fire, or any occasion when you want a comforting, seasonal drink.
To make hot cranberry cider, start by combining fresh or frozen cranberries with apple cider in a large pot. The cranberries are simmered to release their natural tartness, infusing the cider with a bright, tangy flavor. As the cranberries cook down, the cider becomes deeply flavorful and slightly tangy, while retaining the sweet apple undertones that make it such a beloved drink.
A blend of warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel is added to give the cider a fragrant, aromatic complexity. Some recipes also include a little sugar or honey to sweeten the cider, balancing out the tartness of the cranberries. For an extra touch of holiday cheer, a splash of orange juice or a few slices of fresh ginger can be added to deepen the flavor profile.
Once the cider has simmered for about 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together, strain it to remove the cranberry skins and spices (if desired). The result is a smooth, spiced, tangy-sweet beverage that’s perfect for sipping on a chilly day.
Hot cranberry cider can be served in a mug, garnished with a cinnamon stick, a few fresh cranberries, or an orange slice for an extra festive touch. It pairs wonderfully with cookies, pastries, or any of your favorite holiday treats.
For a grown-up twist, you can add a splash of rum, bourbon, or brandy, transforming this cozy drink into a warming cocktail.
Whether you’re gathering around the fireplace or entertaining guests, hot cranberry cider is sure to add a festive, flavorful touch to your holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cranberry juice unsweetened
- 2 cups apple cider
- 4 sticks cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 orange sliced
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the cranberry juice, apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves.
- Add the orange slices to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and strain the cider to remove the solid ingredients.
- Serve the hot cranberry cider warm, garnished with additional orange slices or a cinnamon stick, if desired.
Nutrition
I don’t like cranberries, but I tried making this for my family. It’s too tart for my taste, but they said it was great.
This cider is seriously delicious!! I added a bit of sugar and it was perfect for my holiday party. Everyone loved it!
Easy to make and perfect for cold weather! I served it at my holiday party, and everyone loved it!
I made this for my family too and wow! It was a hit! So easy and delicious.
Sounds nice, but I don’t know if everyone will like cranberry juice. Can you replace it with something else?
Can I use sweetened cranberry juice? Asking for a friend. 😅
I followed the instructions but mine didn’t taste right. Maybe I used too much clove. 🤔
I was skeptical at first, but this turned out delicious! Will make again.
Don’t have orange? Will it still work? I’m outta stuff and not going to store… Lol.
I didn’t have cinnamon sticks so I used powder, is that okay? Can’t wait to try it.
Eh, wasn’t great. Just tasted like watered-down juice to me. 2 stars.
I tried it with regular apple cider (not “cider” cider?) and it still tasted great, so I don’t think you need to be super picky about the brand. The smell is unreal.
Yum! Smells soooo good while it cooks. Definitely a keeper!
Too much cloves for my taste. I felt like I was drinking potpourri.
Wow! So good! I added some ginger and it took it to another level! 🌟
Ginger? That sounds interesting! I might try that next time. 🥰
Made this for a party and it was gone in minutes! Everybody said it was good.
This recipe is absolutely delicious! Perfect for the holiday season.
How do I strain the cider? Do I need a special tool?
Not bad, but it could use more sweetness. I will add sugar next time.
I think cranberry and apple together is a weird combo. But I tried it and it was okay, I guess.
This is basically warm cranberry apple juice with spices… which is fine, I guess. Could use more orange zest.
Is this really hot? I thought cider was usually cold. I’m confused.
Just okay. Not really for me. I prefer apple cider alone.
Cinnamon sticks and whole cloves? Yes. Straining it is key—otherwise you get little clove bits and it’s not a vibe.
Totally agree—straining makes it drinkable. I once skipped it and got these weird clove bites… not the cozy vibe.
I used regular (sweetened) cranberry juice and it came out super sweet, so I’d warn people to watch that. Otherwise easy recipe.
Yumm! I added honey and it tastes soooo good. 5 stars! 🌟
5 stars just for the vibe. Hot cranberry anything = instant happiness. Quick question though—do you leave the orange in while simmering or only for garnish? I left mine in and it was still good.
This is basically apple juice with red stuff! No thanks. 🙄
I tried making this but I think I added too much cinnamon. It was overpowering. Maybe I need to adjust the spices next time.
I strain it but keep the orange slices separate to garnish. Looks fancy and tastes way better than plain cider. 10/10 for presentation.
This cider recipe is amazing! Perfect for winter gatherings! 🎉
I made this for my family last week and it was a hit! Everyone loved it. 🤗
So good!
This cider is absolutely amazing! Perfect for the holidays!
I made this for my family and they loved it! Even the kids!
Could be great, but you know the ratio seems off—2 cups each? Seems like it would be too tart. Maybe add sugar? I didn’t.
Pretty good, but mine came out a bit too strong/medicinal tasting from the cloves. Next time I’ll cut the cloves in half or simmer shorter. Still warm and festive though!
This was soooo good! I added some extra spices like nutmeg, and it was delish! Will make again!
I made it with spiked cider and OMG!!! Best decision ever! 🥴🍊
Can I use dried oranges instead of fresh? Anyone tried this? 😊
I tried it and the orange got kinda bitter after simmering too long. Maybe use only one or add the slices halfway through?
Good catch! I’ve noticed orange slices can go bitter if they simmer too long. I usually add them closer to the end (like the last 5–10 minutes) or just use fewer slices.
Hmm I did 25 min exactly and mine was fine, but I bet it depends on the orange. Next time I’ll try adding them halfway through like you said.
I think you should add sugar or honey because it’s kinda tart.
Nah, I like it tart. Adding sugar will just ruin it. Keep it natural, please!
I agree! A little sweetener would balance the tartness perfectly. Great suggestion!
I didn’t strain all the way and honestly it was still delicious. But my kitchen smelled like a perfume store for hours.
Same here—didn’t strain fully and it still tasted amazing. The cinnamon/clove vibes are strong in the best way.
Perfume store smell is real 😂 I strained, but I think I simmered too long—mine was kinda bitter. Still good though, just next time I’ll watch the time better.