How Much Apple Cider for a Party?

Apple Cider Planning Guide

Apple cider is a fall staple that works hot or cold, and a gallon pours about 16 cups at 8 ounces. Served warm and spiced it drinks like hot chocolate, so people have one generous mug rather than several; plan around a cup and a half per guest, a little more for a cold outdoor event where a hot drink is welcome. For a Halloween or Thanksgiving gathering of 20, that is roughly two gallons. Fresh cider from an orchard has a fuller, less filtered flavor than supermarket apple juice and is worth seeking out in season.

Warm spiced cider is built for a slow cooker. Pour the cider in with a few cinnamon sticks, a handful of whole cloves, and a couple of orange slices, then hold it on low so it stays hot for hours without boiling away its flavor, and let guests ladle their own. A swirl of caramel deepens it further for a dessert-leaning version. Use whole spices rather than ground, which leave the cider cloudy and gritty, and fish the orange slices out once they have given up their flavor.

Cider crosses over for both kids and adults from the same pot. Serve it straight for children, and offer a splash of bourbon or spiced rum on the side for the grown-ups rather than spiking the whole batch, which keeps it family-friendly while still giving adults the option. Garnish mugs with a fresh apple slice or a cinnamon stick for a finished look. If you would rather serve it cold, chill the spiced cider after steeping and pour it over ice, which makes a refreshing version for a warmer early-autumn day.