Easy Spiced Apple Cider Recipe

A hot mug of cider on a crisp fall day is the coziest thing I can think of. This easy apple cider charms your taste buds with classic fall spices and warms you up from the inside out. Plus, it makes your whole entire house smell heavenly while it slowly simmers over the stove.

This isn’t just a homemade version of your average apple cider – it’s a specific variety known as mulled apple cider. Regular cider usually sticks with apples as its sole ingredient while mulled cider incorporates spices and citrus fruit.

Classic apple cider is also meant to be served cold, but for mulled cider, the opposite is true. That being said, this foolproof mulled cider is just as amazing straight out of the fridge!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

During the winter, I’m determined to have a stash of hot cocoa mix on standby at all times. A while ago, I realized how ridiculously easy it is to make hot chocolate mix at home, and it’s a game-changer! Here’s why you’ll love this simple, but oh-so-rich-and-creamy homemade hot chocolate mix:

• Just 4 ingredients. It all starts with a combination of 4 simple ingredients, and then you can customize your hot cocoa from there.
• Make it your own. There are so many different flavors to try, from peppermint hot chocolate to mocha hot cocoa. Or you could stick to the basics, and cozy up with classic hot chocolate topped with melty mini marshmallows. Be your own master hot chocolatier.
• Great for gifting. Homemade hot chocolate mix makes a lovely gift. It’s an inexpensive option that has all the charm of a homemade present, and it can be adapted to suit any holiday or occasion. When you make someone cookies, they can enjoy them for about a week, but this hot cocoa mix lasts all year long!

What You’ll Need

When combined with hot water or milk, this homemade hot chocolate mix makes a rich and creamy mug of hot cocoa that’s not too bitter, and not too sweet. You can always adjust the flavors to taste, too. Here are some quick notes. Scroll to the recipe card for a printable list of ingredients.

• Dry Milk Powder – Go for whole milk powder rather than nonfat milk powder if you like a creamier hot cocoa.
• Cocoa Powder – I like to use natural unsweetened cocoa powder, only because I can better control the sugar levels. For a fudgier hot chocolate mix, try Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
• Sugar – I use granulated sugar and much prefer it to powdered sugar, but both work in this recipe. I also like to throw a pinch of salt into the mix to balance and boost the flavors.

How to Make & Use Hot Chocolate Mix

This might be the easiest recipe in the whole wide world! To make homemade hot chocolate mix, simply do the following:

• Mix everything together. Add all your ingredients to a bowl, and give them a good whisk.
• Store properly. Afterward, stash the mixture in a jar with an airtight lid.

When you’re ready to make a cozy cup of hot cocoa:

• Mix with hot water or milk. Stir 2-3 tablespoons of your hot chocolate mix into 8 ounces of liquid.
• Add toppings. Sprinkle over mini marshmallows or any toppings of your choice, and get sipping!

Recipe Tips

• Don’t add extra chocolate. I tried adding chopped chocolate to the mix and wasn’t crazy about it. Even when chopped quite small, it didn’t melt super well, nor did it seem to add much additional flavor.
• Use granulated sugar. I’ve seen lots of homemade hot chocolate recipes that call for powdered sugar, but I encourage you to stick with regular granulated sugar. Powdered sugar just doesn’t provide the same amount of sweetness, IMO.
• Don’t skip the salt. Please don’t forget the salt! It’s easy to overlook salt in sweet recipes, but it really does enhance the flavor, even in hot chocolate.

6 Hot Cocoa Variations to Try

I love this easy hot chocolate mix as is, but it’s also tons of fun to get creative with flavors and add-ins. Here are 6 of my favorite variations to snuggle up with.

1. Peppermint hot chocolate. Give your homemade hot chocolate mix a festive touch with crushed peppermint. The peppermint candy melts into the hot cocoa, infusing it with peppermint flavor.
2. Spiced hot cocoa. I like to add warm spices to my hot chocolate, especially during the fall. You can add cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, or a combination of spices. Pumpkin pie spice also works well!
3. Drinking chocolate. If you want to make a richer, more intense drinking chocolate rather than classic hot cocoa, simply replace about half of the sugar in this mix with unsweetened cocoa powder.
4. Mexican hot chocolate. Add cayenne pepper and cinnamon to taste for a spicy kick.
5. Mocha hot cocoa. Feel free to toss in a scoop of espresso powder if you’d like a mocha-flavored hot chocolate. Use decaf espresso powder if desired.
6. Spiked. I love a splash of Irish cream in my hot chocolate for a twist that warms from the inside out. You could even try Kahlua or another liqueur.

Topping Ideas

When it’s time to serve this hot cocoa, I’m a sucker for classic mini marshmallows or a swirl of whipped cream (just like this cocoa mix, it’s super easy to make yourself!). If I’m feeling extra indulgent, I’ll top my homemade hot chocolate with Bailey’s chocolate whipped cream, or I’ll make a salted caramel hot cocoa drizzled with salted caramel sauce.

How to Store Hot Chocolate Mix

Stored airtight, this homemade hot chocolate mix lasts in the pantry for up to 6 months! I keep mine in glass jars, but any sealed container works well.

More Cozy Drink Recipes

• Easy Hot Toddy Recipe
• Homemade Eggnog Recipe
• Homemade Apple Cider

Recipe

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 4 reviews

• Author: Lindsay
• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2 minutes
• Yield: 20 servings
• Category: Drink
• Method: Bowl
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This easy Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix makes the creamiest cup of hot cocoa. Ditch the store-bought stuff and make your own with only 4 ingredients!

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Ingredients

• 2 cups (184g) dry milk powder, nonfat or whole milk
• 3/4 cup (85g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup (155g) sugar
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

• Whisk all of the ingredients together in a medium sized bowl.
• Store in an airtight container.
• When ready to serve, mix 2-3 tablespoons of hot chocolate mix with 8 oz hot water or milk in a mug.
• Serve with marshmallows or other toppings.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size:
• Calories: 41
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 17.1 mg
• Fat: 0.4 g
• Carbohydrates: 9.6 g
• Protein: 1.3 g
• Cholesterol: 0.4 mg

A Light & Refreshing Sangria

This sangria is inspired by a rosewater elderflower lemonade from Home Goods that I had a couple years ago. It’s popped up in my head every now and again since then and I’ve been wanting to make a sangria version for some time and I finally did!

This sangria includes the two most important elements – rose water and elderflower liqueur – so it definitely has a floral flavor to it. But the floral-ness is softened by the fresh fruit that lends its flavor to the sangria more and more as it sits.

No sangria would be complete without wine, so this one features rosé. Fitting, don’t you think? It’s a lovely, refreshing sangria that’s perfect for summer and any occasion where roses may be present. I’m thinking Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day or even Bachelor watch parties. Honestly, any reason to make this rosewater sangria is a good reason to me!

What You’ll Need

Fresh fruit, rum and wine combine to make this rosé sangria. Strawberry is infused in all levels of this sangria, which is complimented by the subtle flavors of rosewater and lemon.

• Dry rosé wine – You can’t make sangria without wine!
• Sparkling water – I used strawberry flavored.
• St. Germain liqueur – Provides the elderberry flavor.
• Strawberry rum – The secret ingredient to make this a little boozier and infused with strawberry.
• Sugar – Adds a bit of sweetness to balance out the floral flavors and liquor.
• Water – You can also use club soda but I prefer water.
• Rosewater – You can make your own with fresh rose petals or find it bottled.
• Fresh strawberries – Fresh fruit is a must when making any sangria!
• Lemon – Adds a pop of citrus flavor that compliments the strawberry and floral flavors.

How to Make Rosewater Rosé Sangria

Making this rosé sangria could not be easier! There’s just two steps to making this.

• Combine all ingredients. Add all ingredients to a large pitcher. Stir to combine.
• Refrigerate. Refrigerate for a minimum of 3-4 hours, then serve.

Tips for Success

Here are a few things to keep in mind to make the best, most flavorful Rosewater Rosé Sangria.

• Use a dry rosé. Since sweetness is added with the other ingredients, I find it best to start with a wine that’s not super sweet. A dry rosé is perfect for that.
• Sparkling rosé for extra bubbles. If you like your sangria with extra bubbles, use sparkling rosé.
• Refrigerate overnight. If you can, make this sangria the night before. The longer it sits, the more the flavors of the strawberry and lemon come out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in glasses over ice, with a fresh rose petal for presentation. Sometimes I’ll even add a strawberry or lemon on the rim of the glass, just to be a little fancy.

Of course, since this will be chilled from being in the fridge, the ice is optional and a personal preference!

How to Store Sangria

Sangria will last in the fridge for several days – as long as it’s kept refrigerated. Keep in mind that the fresh fruit will only last so long though. I recommend enjoying your pitcher within 2 days with the fruit in it for the best fresh flavor. But if you add the fruit later, it will last up to 5 days.

Recipe

Rosewater Rosé Sangria

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Lindsay
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours
• Yield: 8-10 glasses
• Category: Drink
• Cuisine: American

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Description

With rosewater, elderberry liqueur, and strawberry, this Rosewater Rosé Sangria has a fruity and floral flavor. This refreshing sangria is perfect for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or any other special occasion!

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Ingredients

• 2 (750ml) bottles dry rosé wine
• 1 cup sparkling water (I used strawberry flavored)
• 3/4 cup St. Germain liqueur
• 2 tbsp strawberry rum
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 1/2 tsp rose water
• 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
• 1 large lemon

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Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir to combine.
2. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight, then serve. Keep in mind that the longer it sits with the fruit in it, the more it absorbs the fruit flavor.

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More Drink Recipes:

• Red Wine Sangria
• Black Raspberry Champagne Bellini
• Watermelon Elderflower Cocktail
• Mango Margaritas
• Tropical Watermelon Lemonade Cocktail

An Easy & Cozy Hot Toddy Recipe

When the weather starts getting colder, you need a few hot cocktail recipes in your back pocket. Put this hot toddy at the top of your list! I love making this drink when I need something a little stronger than hot chocolate.

Watch How To Make It

Check out this short video showing just how easy it is to make the creamiest homemade eggnog!

Read transcript

How to Store Eggnog

• Refrigerate. Homemade eggnog stays fresh in the fridge for up to 1 week. Make sure to store any leftovers airtight.
• Freeze. You can also freeze eggnog to extend its shelf life. Store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container and keep it frozen for up to 1 month. Defrost your eggnog in the fridge before serving.

More Festive Drink Recipes

• Hot Toddy Recipe
• Homemade Apple Cider
• Black Raspberry Champagne Bellini

Recipe

Homemade Eggnog Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review

• Author: Lindsay
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 3 1/4 cups, 3-4 servings
• Category: Drinks
• Method: Stove
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This Homemade Eggnog Recipe is wonderfully thick and creamy with plenty of nutmeg flavor. It’s also easy to make! You’ll never buy store-bought again.

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Ingredients

• 7 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup (104g) sugar
• 1 3/4 cups (420ml) milk
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 whole cloves, optional
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Add egg yolks and sugar to a large mixer bowl and whip on medium speed until creamy, pale and smooth, about 6-8 minutes. Set aside.
2. In a medium to large saucepan, heat milk, cream, nutmeg, cloves and salt over medium heat until it begins to simmer, stirring regularly.
3. When the milk mixture begins to simmer, add a small amount to the egg yolks, whisking quickly constantly to temper the eggs and keep them from scrambling. Add small amounts of additional milk/cream at a time, whisking to combine, until all has been incorporated.
4. Add the milk and egg mixture back to the saucepan and continue heating until it reaches 160-170 degrees.
5. Remove from heat, then add the vanilla extract and remove the cloves.
6. Pour into a container and refrigerate until cold. Eggnog is best is used within 2-3 days.

Notes

If you’d like to add alcohol to your eggnog, I’d recommend starting with about 1/4 cup and adding more to taste.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 355
• Sugar: 31.5 g
• Sodium: 657.6 mg
• Fat: 21.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Protein: 9.2 g
• Cholesterol: 365.3 mg