I love the crisp, cool fall weather as much as your next basic bitch. Seriously, get me in an oversized sweater, sitting by a bonfire, sipping on a cup of warm apple cider (preferably spiked) and I am goooood.

I love making warm apple cider from scratch in the fall – it makes your house smell amazing AND it’s the perfect drink for a chilly day. It’s so easy to make cider on your own with just a few ingredients. Just make sure the apple juice you purchase is not pre-sweetened or pre-spiced.

Follow this simple recipe for easy warm apple cider for your next tailgate or fall party:

Ingredients:

• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 tsp whole cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp. orange zest
• 8 cups unsweetened apple juice
• 2 tbsp. pure maple syrup
• Bourbon, optional.

Instructions:

1. Combine spices in a sauce pan and cook over medium-high heat until aromatic, about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. Add the nutmeg, and stir to combine. 
3. Add in the apple juice and orange zest and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, depending on how strong you like your cider.
5. Pour the juice through a fine-mesh sieve, into a large pitcher or container.
6. Add bourbon to taste if spiking.
7. Store in the fridge for up to 7 days.