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Earlier this week I shared a fun entertaining idea for a hot apple cider bar {this party idea is simple to set up and perfect for the cool fall and winter months … you can even host it outdoors if your weather will cooperate} and today I’ve collected a whole pile of delicious hot cider recipes for you to serve at your party. These variations all sound so good and I can guarantee they’ll make your house smell amazing too. There’s nothing I like better than the smell of mulled cider brewing on the stovetop!
Whether you like a sweet apple flavor to your cider or like to experiment with berries and other ingredients, there’s a recipe here for everyone. But before we take a look, let’s talk for a minute about preparing and serving hot cider.
How to Serve Hot Cider
I’ve found the easiest way to make hot cider is to cook it in a large pot on the stove or put it in a crockpot to simmer all day. If you’re warming it stovetop, be sure to turn it down to low once it’s heated all the way through. Keep a ladle alongside for easy serving.
An insulated beverage dispenser or thermos is a great way to serve cider outdoors. We’ve even taken a big coffee server, full of cider, with us to the pumpkin patch.
Set out a pile of mugs for serving or let guests grab to-go cups if you’ll be wandering around outside.
Hot Cider Recipes
caramel apple cider {for grownups}
Which hot cider recipe sounds the best to you? I think I’ll work my way through these hot cider recipes this fall, trying them all!
But if you’re not up for making your own, storebought cider is also readily available.
The Best Storebought Cider
I have two go-to ciders that we buy every single year.
The first is a ready-made spiced apple cider from Trader Joe’s {I’ve included the Amazon link so you can see what I’m referring to but buy it at an actual Trader Joe’s store for better pricing}. It’s only available seasonally and I buy a bunch of bottles every year so I can serve it on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Be sure to buy the spiced cider … it needs nothing added to it to make it perfect.
The other cider we love is actually a mulling cider spice mix. Simply add it to regular apple juice or cider {the non-spiced variety} and let it simmer stovetop or in a crockpot. The flavor is delicious! And it makes a really great stocking stuffer or hostess gift during the holiday season.
What are your favorite storebought ciders?
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