The coziest addition to your outdoor meal
Growing up in Toronto, Sukkot often felt like a winter adventure — we’d bundle up in layers, dodge bursts of rain, (and even the occasional flurry!) as we tried to enjoy our meals in the sukkah. Some of my favorite memories are of piling into a freezing sukkah with family and friends, wrapped in big coats and wool scarves, passing around steaming bowls of soup and laughing through some light rain shower. There was a certain magic to those moments — the way the sukkah felt like a tiny, glowing shelter against the cold night, the sound of rain tapping on the schach, the shared sense of “we’re in this together.”
Fast forward to Gush Etzion, and Sukkot has a completely different rhythm. Here, the nights are crisp and cool, the stars stretch wide overhead, and the air has that unmistakable hint of fall 🍂. The sukkah becomes less about braving the elements and more about lingering outdoors, soaking up the season and the people around the table. It’s the kind of weather that begs for warm blankets, cable knit sweaters, and a mug of something cozy in your hands.
That’s where the Apple Cider Bar comes in. Think of it as the perfect add-on to your outdoor meal — a simple station where everyone can ladle steaming cider into their mugs and top it with cinnamon sticks, dried apples, or star anise. It’s warm, festive, and instantly transforms your sukkah into a fall haven.
Looking for a great recipe? Check out our apple cider recipe!
How to Set Up an Apple Cider Bar
1. Start with the Base
- Hot apple cider → Warm in a slow cooker, samovar, or large pot set on low.
- Keep a ladle handy and set out mugs or heatproof cups.
You can use our recipe for hot apple cider or buy locally.
Pro tip: Add a few cinnamon sticks, orange slices, or whole cloves to the pot while it warms to infuse the cider with cozy spice.
2. Create a Rustic Display
- Use a small table, vintage crate, or bar cart in the corner of your sukkah.
- Lay a neutral or plaid tablecloth for that fall farmhouse feel.
- Add small baskets or jars for toppings.
- String some fairy lights or a mini garland above the station to make it glow at night.
3. Add a Toppings & Mix-Ins Bar
Let guests customize their cider with warm, seasonal add-ons. A few ideas:
- Cinnamon sticks 🌿
- Star anise ✨
- Whole cloves
- Dried apple or orange slices 🍊
- Whipped cream
- Caramel drizzle 🍯
- Mini marshmallows
- Cinnamon sugar or nutmeg sprinkle
- Cinnamon or caramel liqueur (for adults)
Tip: Label each topping with mini chalkboard tags or rustic cards to keep it cute and organized.
4. Serve It Up
- Keep the cider hot throughout the night with a slow cooker on the “warm” setting.
- Offer a mix of ceramic mugs and disposable cups so everyone can sip comfortably.
- Place napkins and a small bin nearby to keep things tidy.
5. Set the Mood
- Cozy blankets draped over chairs
- Twinkle lights or lanterns hung in the sukkah
- Acoustic music or soft Israeli classics playing in the background
- Encourage guests to linger, chat, and enjoy the crisp night air with their cider in hand.
The Apple Cider Bar is less about fuss and more about feeling — warmth, gathering, and those in-between Sukkot moments that make the holiday so magical.