Hot Instant Pot Apple Cider

Instant Pot apple cider with apple juice is a hot holiday drink that’s perfect for brunch or serving all day long. Serve this with Christmas dinner and enjoy. You can make it in a Crockpot Express or as a Ninja Foodi recipe too.

Hot Apple Cider Recipe

We initially made this Crockpot hot apple cider a few years ago and that was great. Now that we’re a bit Instant Pot pressure cooker recipe obsessed. We just had to make it this way too. It doesn’t have to be in an IP though, a Crockpot Express or foodi works just as great.

Yes you can add all these items together individually and just warm it up in mugs in the microwave. However when you have a big group it’s nice to keep it on warm for hours. Serve alongside our chilled sparkling apple cider for a cold option and you’re set.

Ingredients

1. Jar of apple cider or juice works too
2. Cinnamon sticks will give you that Fall flavor
3. Ground cinnamon intensifies that taste
4. Cloves left whole are great
5. Fresh orange slices if you like that hint
6. Brown sugar and/or maple syrup can be added for sweetness
7. Use large festive mugs for serving.
8. If you like a stronger cinnamon flavor use both ground and sticks.

with Apple Juice

If you cannot find cider in a jug you could use just Mott’s. Difference is that you will need to add a lot more spices to compensate for the cinnamon and cloves already in the other.

without Oranges

You do not have to add citrus at all if you are not about it, no problem. There is a huge preference range when it comes to each different family. Not about cinnamon, leave that out too and go with orange slices. Rather use whole cloves instead? Just make sure to scoop those out before serving.

What can you spike cider with?

Now if you’re serving a crowd you might want to leave the hot apple cider as is inside the pot and have one or some of these available on the side to add:

1. Whiskey is what you typically think of
2. Rum
3. Wine is pretty good, red is usually used

If you are using a Ninja Foodi the directions remain the same all the way around. You aren’t going to use either of the lids this go around, rather you only need to saute to heat it up. Now when it is done you could easily set the attached lid down to keep it warm, but have the machine off and unplugged.

How do you heat up apple cider?

This time we’re going to use our pressure cooker, any brand will do. If you warm over spiced apple cider over medium heat on the stovetop. Do this until the cider is hot. This will typically be before it begins to boil, then let it steep until it’s “mulled” enough for your taste.

What makes something mulled? Mulling spices may be added to the cooking process. The combination of spices varies, but it usually consists of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg. Less frequently will you find star anise, peppercorn or cardamom. It also usually includes dried fruit sometimes.

• Serve it up in warmed mugs. Just add the cider, a cinnamon stick garnish, and serve on a plate with a slice of orange.
• Paired with a slice of warm pumpkin apple bread is great
• We love it with some Instant Pot apple crisp 

I like a strong taste of cinnamon so leaving a stick in there the entire time is my fave. If you want a fainter taste just add a bit of ground instead. You can chill this too after it is done. Served over ice is wonderful too! Just allow it to come to room temperature once everything is incorporated and then pour over ice so it doesn’t dilute much.

Tips

• Orange is a nice addition and fresh is always best. That can be altered too as far as how strong of a flavor you desire.
• Leave it in as you cook it and take it out for a hint, or allow it to sit inside while it’s kept on warm.
• For A LOT of flavor use a potato masher on the warm fruit to emit juice. (make sure to get seeds out before serving)

If you want this Instant Pot hot apple cider recipe to be available all day long you’ll want to push the warm button once it’s done. It will cool but that makes another option that some guests might prefer. Want to make chilled sparkling apple cider with some fresh apples and oranges too? Do it!!

Is hot spiced apple cider good for you? I mean everything in moderation but yes, it’s juiced fruit. Homemade apple cider comes in so many forms. It in itself can be enjoyed as is and can also be tweaked so it’s perfect for you! If you want a short pressure cooking time this one below is for you.

You don’t even need to put it on high pressure, saute function is all you need. Just leave the top ajar with a ladle on the side. People can open the lid and serve themselves throughout the day.

Now if you wanted to spike this I would only add 1 shot at a time, taste and adjust to you liking. If using apple juice you will want to add more seasonings than if you use bottled apple cider. Add according to your taste.

in Ninja Foodi

• Pour your jar of juice or cider into your pot, set to saute.
• If using ground cinnamon whisk in until dissolved.
  • Cinnamon sticks should just be placed inside.
• Wash outside of orange, slice in half, and press 2 whole cloves into the orange skin side of each half. Put both halves inside pot.
• Allow liquid to come to a low boil for about 3-5 minutes so all flavors mix. Turn pot off once it is warm enough for your taste.
  • Taste and adjust as you’d like: add brown sugar for sweetness, leave cinnamon stick in for stronger flavor.

Can push warm button to keep warm for a longer period of time. Take oranges out if you just want a hint of those flavors or else keep them in to intensify them.

Things to Add to Apple Cider

Remember to taste the cider as you add these ingredients and adjust the quantities according to your preferences. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations to create your perfect apple cider concoction!

1. Add whole cinnamon sticks to the apple cider while heating it to infuse warm and spicy flavors.
2. Squeeze fresh lemon or orange slices into the apple cider to add a bright and tangy element. You can also drop the citrus slices directly into the cider for a visually appealing touch.
3. Add a few whole cloves to the apple cider to infuse it with a warm and aromatic flavor.
4. Grate fresh nutmeg into the apple cider for a hint of warmth and depth.
5. Crush or grind whole allspice berries and add them to the cider to provide a warm and complex flavor reminiscent of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
6. Drop a couple of star anise pods into the apple cider for a unique licorice-like flavor and aroma.
7. Grate fresh ginger into the cider to give it a subtle spiciness and warmth. You can adjust the amount of ginger to your preference.
8. Sweeten the apple cider with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Stir it in until dissolved and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
9. Add a handful of fresh or frozen cranberries to the apple cider while heating it to infuse a tart and festive flavor. Or add a splash of vanilla extract to the apple cider to impart a sweet and comforting aroma.

Spiked apple cider! For an adult twist, add a splash of whiskey or rum to the apple cider. This adds depth and complexity to the flavor.