Mom's Best Recipes
Recipe

Armour Stand

A cozy, spiced cider drink with citrus, honey, and warming aromatics. Think mulled cider with a brighter, friendlier lift for cold nights and crowded kitchens. It is also my house name for it, so do not worry if you have never seen “Armour Stand” on a menu.

Author By Matt Campbell
4.8
A steaming mug of amber spiced cider garnished with an orange wheel and cinnamon stick on a wooden table with whole spices nearby
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There are two kinds of cold-weather cravings: the ones that demand a pot of something simmering, and the ones that demand a mug in your hands immediately. Armour Stand hits both. It is my house name for a bright, spiced-cider situation that lives in that comforting space between tea and punch, where citrus, honey, and warming spices do the heavy lifting.

This version is built for real life. No obscure ingredients, no fussy technique, and you do not need to babysit it. You just gently simmer, strain, and pour. The result is cozy, fragrant, and quietly impressive, like your kitchen suddenly smells like you have a plan.

A small saucepan on the stove with citrus peels and whole spices gently simmering in amber liquid

Why It Works

  • Big aroma, low effort: whole spices and citrus bloom in a quick simmer, so your drink tastes layered without being complicated.
  • Not watery: cider stays the base, so the flavor is warm and full instead of diluted.
  • Flexible sweetness: honey (and optional brown sugar) lets you tune it to your cider and your mood.
  • Flexible strength: keep it nonalcoholic as written, or add a splash of brandy or dark rum per mug for a grown-up version.
  • Make-ahead friendly: it reheats beautifully, which is exactly what you want when people wander into the kitchen asking, “What smells so good?”

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Cool completely, then store strained Armour Stand in a sealed jar or pitcher for up to 4 days for best quality. For food safety, cool it quickly and refrigerate within 2 hours.

Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat until steaming. Avoid a hard boil, which can make the citrus taste bitter and the spices taste sharp.

Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat slowly.

Pro move: Freeze leftovers in ice cube trays. Pop a few cubes into hot tea or sparkling water for instant spiced vibes.

Common Questions

Is Armour Stand alcoholic?

It can be, but it does not have to be. This recipe is nonalcoholic as written. If you want, add 1 to 2 tablespoons brandy, dark rum, or bourbon per mug after heating.

What is Armour Stand, exactly?

This is a house recipe for a spiced hot cider style drink. While it shares DNA with mulled cider and wassail, the name Armour Stand is how it is labeled here, not a widely documented historical term. If you are looking for a classic, think of it as “bright mulled cider.”

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?

Yes. Use 100% apple juice. It tends to be sweeter and a little less complex than cider, so start with 1 tablespoon honey, then sweeten to taste after simmering.

Can I use ground spices instead of whole?

You can, but go light. Whole spices give clean flavor and are easy to strain. If using ground, start with 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon plus a tiny pinch each of ground clove and ground allspice, then strain through a coffee filter or very fine mesh to avoid grit.

How do I keep it from turning bitter?

Two things: keep the heat at a gentle simmer, and do not let citrus peel steep forever. If you plan to hold it warm for a party, strain out the spices and citrus after about 20 minutes, then keep the liquid warm on low.

What if I do not have fresh citrus?

Use 2 tablespoons bottled orange juice plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and skip the peel. You will lose some aroma, but it is still very good.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes. Combine everything, cook on LOW 1 to 2 hours, then strain. Keep on WARM for serving.

Can I double this for a crowd?

Yes. Double everything and use a larger pot. Keep the spice amounts proportional, and taste after simmering since ciders vary.

I love recipes that make the whole house smell like you are doing something wildly responsible, even if you are basically just standing there in sweatpants. Armour Stand is that. I started making it when I wanted a winter drink that was not as heavy as hot chocolate and not as sharp as plain tea. The first time I simmered citrus peel with cloves, I did the very scientific thing of hovering over the pot and inhaling like it was my job. Now it is my go-to whenever I want cozy energy fast, especially when people are coming over and I need my kitchen to feel like a warm welcome.