Debra's Hot Christmas Warmer

Cozy up your winter evenings with "Debra's Hot Christmas Warmer," a festive drink brimming with holiday flavors and aromatic spices. This comforting recipe combines the sweetness of apple cider, tangy orange slices, and the warmth of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, simmered gently to create a perfectly spiced base. Fresh ginger and cranberries add a zingy twist, while a touch of honey (or maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option) brings natural sweetness. For added indulgence, a splash of dark rum can transform this cheerful beverage into a spirited holiday cocktail. Ready in just 35 minutes, this spiced Christmas cider is ideal for cozy gatherings, served steaming hot in mugs and garnished with festive flair. Whether you’re celebrating at a party or enjoying a quiet night by the fire, this drink is your ultimate holiday season warmer.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 liter Apple cider
• 1 large Orange
• 2 pieces Cinnamon sticks
• 6 pieces Whole cloves
• 2 pieces Star anise
• 1 2-inch piece Fresh ginger
• 3 tablespoons Honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
• 1 cup Cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 100 milliliters Dark rum (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Pour the apple cider into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.

Step 2

Slice the orange into rounds, leaving the peel on, and add it to the pot.

Step 3

Break the cinnamon sticks in half and add them to the pot along with the whole cloves and star anise.

Step 4

Peel the ginger and slice it into thin rounds before adding it to the mixture.

Step 5

Add the honey (or maple syrup for vegan option) and cranberries to the pot, stirring gently to combine.

Step 6

Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture just to the point of simmering (do not boil). Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 8

If desired, add dark rum for an adult version of the drink and stir to incorporate.

Step 9

Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a heatproof serving pitcher or ladle directly into mugs, removing the solids.

Step 10

Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1565.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1132.7

Total Fat 3.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 60.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 222.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.6g	0%
Total Sugars 171.2g
Protein 6.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 290.8mg	0%
Iron 6.5mg	0%
Potassium 1756.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 3.4%

Protein: 2.5%

Carbs: 94.0%