There’s nothing that captures the holiday season quite like a warm mug of spiced cider. This Cranberry Apple Cider blends tart cranberries, sweet apple juice, and winter spices into the coziest drink imaginable. It’s festive, fragrant, and perfect for sipping by the tree or serving at holiday gatherings.

Pinterest is currently seeing a huge spike in searches for cozy drinks, cranberry cider, apple cider variations, and warm winter beverages. This recipe fits all those categories — it’s simple, aromatic, and visually stunning with its deep red color and floating citrus slices. These types of drinks perform extremely well because they evoke that nostalgic, wintery feeling people crave during the holidays.

Another reason this recipe is trending? It’s incredibly easy and customizable. Just simmer everything together and enjoy. It fills your home with a festive aroma and tastes like pure holiday comfort in a mug.

Once December passes, this recipe seamlessly becomes an evergreen Spiced Cranberry Apple Cider, staying popular through January and February when people still want warm, cozy drinks.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Cozy, warm, and deeply spiced
• Naturally vegan & dairy-free
• Perfect for holiday gatherings
• Smells amazing while it simmers
• Festive, photogenic, Pinterest-friendly
• Converts perfectly to winter evergreen content

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🎄 Warm Cranberry Apple Cider (Vegan, Cozy Holiday Drink)

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 25 mins

Best Season: Winter

Description

A warm, cozy cranberry apple cider simmered with cinnamon, oranges, and cloves. A vegan holiday drink bursting with festive flavor.

Ingredients

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Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 3 cups apple juice
• 1 cup cranberry juice
• ½ cup fresh cranberries
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 whole 3–4 cloves
• 2 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Optional garnish: extra orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks

Instructions

Step 1 — Add everything to a pot

1. Combine juices, cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
   

Step 2 — Simmer

1. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until warm, fragrant, and deep in color.
   

Step 3 — Sweeten

1. Add maple syrup if desired for extra sweetness.
   

Step 4 — Add vanilla

1. Stir in vanilla for depth and aroma.
   

Step 5 — Serve warm

1. Pour into mugs and garnish with cranberries and a cinnamon stick.
   

Note

TIPS

• Add a splash of ginger juice for extra warmth.
• Use fresh cranberries for visual appeal.
• Strain before serving for a smoother drink.
• Serve in clear glass mugs for Pinterest-style images.