One of my favorite things to drink during the cool fall months is a steaming cup of hot apple cider so what better way to entertain friends than to set up a simple hot apple cider bar? Guests can serve themselves a mug of cider and add their own flavor combinations for the perfect custom fall drink.
How to Set Up an Apple Cider Bar for Fall Entertaining
And an apple cider bar couldn’t be easier to prepare. Set out a crockpot full of hot apple cider {storebought is perfect} …
… next to mason jars and small bowls filled with sweet and savory ingredients that complement and enhance the flavor of apple cider.
Caramel {in sauce or candy form} and red hots are sweet and delicious when stirred into a mug of warm cider …
… or guests can choose a natural flavor like cinnamon sticks, orange slices, or a sprig of rosemary.
With every mug of hot apple cider, friends can enjoy a different flavor combination. It’s a simple but fun way to entertain.
What stir-ins would you add to a hot apple cider bar?
For more cider ideas, be sure to check out this recipe for hot cranberry cider …
… an equally delicious recipe for hot citrus cider …
… and 15 hot cider recipes!
This is the perfect fall idea. 🙂 I love the red hots the most. Hope you are having a good one, Randi.
This is SO fun!! Can’t wait to host a Fall party with an apple cider bar!
I loooove this! I am so hoping to get the chance to do this this fall! Thanks for the great idea!
Crockpot = super smart idea! Great post.
Randi, this is a wonderful idea, and so beautifully presented!
I made this today for a fall party. It was a big hit! I went a little overboard with the additional toppings but it was pretty inexpensive overall. In addition to what you show, I did lemon slices studded with cloves, I couldn’t find red hots so I used hot tamales, star anise, whole nutmeg (with a little grater) and allspice berries, tart cherries, and sliced ginger. And threw in some whipped cream, because why not! If you go into the international section and they have Badia spices, the cinnamon sticks and other things are only 99¢. Everyone loved trying all the different things. Oh and we had Mount Gay rum as an optional side, I also think any smoky liquor would be great like a peaty whisky or mezcal.
Oh my gosh, that just sounds amazing. I love all the additions! Thanks so much for sharing all your details!