You probably know Brothers Toffee Apple Cider as something you grab from the fridge. But when it's freezing outside and everyone's heading round to yours instead of going out, there's another way to enjoy it. Warm it up. Add a little cinnamon, maybe some star anise, and you've got a warming twist on Toffee Apple that feels right at home on a cold evening.
It's not complicated, you don't need a cupboard full of ingredients, and you certainly don't need to spend the whole evening in the kitchen.
Here's how to make it.
Can You Drink Toffee Apple Cider Warm?
You can, and the combination of apple and toffee works particularly well with a little winter spice.
Brothers Toffee Apple Cider already has plenty of flavour, so you don't need to add much. A cinnamon stick is a good starting point, with star anise or a little orange peel if you fancy experimenting. The key is to warm it gently rather than letting it boil. That way, you're not overheating the cider or changing the flavour more than you intended. And just to be clear, warming alcoholic cider doesn't make it alcohol-free.
Warm Toffee Apple Cider Recipe
This one's straightforward enough to make while you're catching up with everyone in the kitchen.
- Serves: 2 generous mugs
- Preparation time: 2 minutes
- Heating time: Approximately 5–10 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 x 500ml cans of Brothers Toffee Apple Cider
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 whole star anise (optional)
- 2 thin slices of fresh apple, to garnish
- You'll also need: A saucepan, a spoon and two large heatproof mugs / glasses.
How to Make Warm Toffee Apple Cider
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Step 1: Pour the cider into a saucepan
Open your Brothers Toffee Apple Cider and pour it into a saucepan large enough to leave plenty of room above the liquid. -
Step 2: Add the spices
Drop in the cinnamon stick and star anise, if you're using it. -
Step 3: Warm gently
Place the saucepan over a low heat, stirring occasionally. Warm until the cider is pleasantly hot, but don't let it simmer or boil. -
Step 4: Serve and enjoy
Take the pan off the heat and pour into two heatproof mugs and add a slice of fresh apple if you fancy. That's it. Two warm mugs and a pretty good reason to stay in.
What Spices Go Well With Toffee Apple Cider?
You don't need to empty the entire spice cupboard into the pan. Toffee Apple already has a distinctive flavour, so a little goes a long way.
- Cinnamon brings a familiar warming flavour that works naturally with apple and toffee.
- Star anise adds a slightly sweet, liquorice-like note. It's quite strong, so one is plenty.
- Cloves bring a deeper seasonal spice flavour. If you're using them, try one or two whole cloves and remove them before serving.
- Orange peel adds a little citrus aroma if you'd like something different.
Start with cinnamon, then experiment with the others to find the combination you enjoy most.
Can You Make Warm Toffee Apple Cider for a Group?
Of course. It's a good option when a few friends are coming round on a cold evening. Simply increase the quantities to suit the number of people you're serving, using a suitably sized saucepan. And make sure there's something good to eat while you're at it. Nobody wants to be standing around waiting for dinner.
From Christmas Markets to Your Kitchen
If you've visited a winter market where Brothers is pouring, you'll know we're rather fond of a warm cider when the temperature drops.
Our seasonal Spiced Toffee Apple and Mulled Apple & Rum winter warmers bring something different to those evenings spent wandering around Christmas markets with your mates. But you don't have to wait for a market to try a warming Brothers serve.
Take a look at our guide to finding Brothers warm cider at UK Christmas markets in 2026 if you fancy heading out. Or stay in, stick something good on the speakers and give this recipe a go.
Sometimes the best nights are the ones where nobody had much of a plan in the first place.
