Hot Spiced Apple Cider

When the air turns crisp and the farmstand cider shows up, this is the mug we reach for. Fresh apple cider brings the sweetness, a little lemon keeps it bright, and a splash of Wooden Spoon Herbs Fire Cider adds the tangy, spicy kick that makes it feel like more than just warm juice.

It's zero-proof (with an easy bourbon add-in below), ready in about five minutes, and made for cold nights, slow Sunday mornings and everything in between.

What you'll need

Makes one mug

• 6 oz fresh apple cider
• ½–¾ oz Wooden Spoon Herbs Fire Cider
• ¼ oz fresh lemon juice
• ¼ oz maple syrup (optional, depending on how sweet your cider is)
• To garnish: a cinnamon stick and a thin apple slice

How to make it

1. Warm the apple cider in a small pot over medium-low heat until steaming. Don't let it boil.
2. Add the Fire Cider, lemon juice and maple syrup (if using) to a mug.
3. Pour in the hot cider and stir with the cinnamon stick.
4. Float a thin apple slice on top and finish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon.

Want a grown-up version? Add 1½ oz bourbon to the mug along with the Fire Cider, then top with hot cider as usual.

Make it your own

• Add Fire Cider off the heat. Stirring it into the mug, not the pot, keeps its bright, tangy bite.
• Taste your cider first. Farmstand ciders vary a lot in sweetness. If yours is already rich, skip the maple.
• Dial the heat. Start with ½ oz Fire Cider and work up to ¾ oz if you like more tang and spice.
• Make a pot for a crowd. Warm a big batch of cider on the stove and set out Fire Cider, lemon and maple so everyone can mix their own mug.