Apple Cider Served In Apple Cups Recipe
Next time you invite your friends over to sit on your porch, stir up a batch of this nicely spiced apple cider. The wonderful aroma will make your guests feel welcome on a chilly day.
Serving apple cider in a carved out apple is a charming way to enjoy your favorite apple cider! Your guests will be impressed and it doesn’t look as difficult as it appears.
A ‘spiked’ version of the traditional hot cider – great for fall or holiday gatherings. This can be made in large quantities and kept warm in an electric coffee server.If you want to spike this recipe, just add 1 ½ cups light rum. Yummy!
Apple Cider Served In Apple Cups
Ingredients
Method
- Warm the Cider
- In a large saucepan, combine:
- Apple cider
- Cinnamon sticks
- Cloves
- Star anise
- Orange slices
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes. Do not boil.
- Remove the spices and orange slices before serving.
- Prepare the Apple Cups
- Slice about ½ inch off the top of each apple.
- Using a melon baller or spoon, carefully scoop out the inside, leaving about a ½-inch wall so the apple stays sturdy.
- Brush the inside lightly with lemon juice to slow browning.
- If desired, chill the apple cups until ready to serve.
- Assemble
- Place each apple cup on a small saucer or napkin.
- Ladle the warm cider into each apple.
- Garnish with:
- A cinnamon stick
- Thin apple slice
- Rosemary sprig
- Star anise
- A few fresh cranberries
- Serve immediately.

Optional Adult Version
Add 1 ounce of one of the following to each apple cup:
- Bourbon
- Spiced rum
- Fireball cinnamon whisky
- Calvados (apple brandy)
Stir gently before serving.
Gal Pal Tips
- Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji so they hold their shape.
- Hollow the apples no more than an hour before serving for the freshest presentation.
- Place each apple on a small plate or in a shallow bowl to catch any drips.
- Save the scooped-out apple flesh for applesauce, smoothies, muffins, or oatmeal.
Beautiful Serving Ideas
- Arrange the apple cups on a rustic wooden board with mini pumpkins, pinecones, and fall leaves.
- Set up a DIY cider bar with bowls of cinnamon sticks, orange slices, whipped cream, caramel sauce, and star anise so guests can customize their drinks.
- Pair with pumpkin bread, cinnamon coffee cake, or bacon-wrapped dates for a cozy fall spread.
Gal Pal Tip: For an extra-special touch, lightly dust the rim of each apple cup with a mixture of cinnamon and maple sugar before filling. It creates a beautiful presentation and adds a hint of sweet spice with every sip. 🍎🍂☕
