Why Warm (Boozy) Apple Cider is The Perfect Winter Drink

Over the years I’ve come up with a number of “go to” things to bring to holiday parties and events. Since I’m a Drink Editor, at some point I started to become in charge of bringing the booze, or mixing the booze once I arrived. In the winter months, that booze almost always comes in the form of warm apple cider.

Apple cider is one of those things that I’ve discovered everyone likes. Even if someone tells you it’s not for them, put a giant crock pot full of warm apple cider near them during a cold month and they’ll be drinking it in no time. And if you’re the one hosting the party, it makes your house smell like an old school cider house — better than any holiday candle can.

Apple cider is perfect for gatherings with friends, family dinners, Christmas parties… pretty much anywhere where a large group of people plan on getting together.

So, what do you need to make it happen? A massive crock pot, some sort of ladel, and apple cider. You can make apple cider with apple juice, but it gets complicated. I recommend just buying “apple cider” from your local grocery. It comes in big plastic or glass jars this time of year and typically costs about what you’d pay for straight apple juice, except it’s already got some spices in it.