While I do love the alcoholic stuff, it's best cold, and therefore not to be compared to the comfort of a spiced hot cider on a cold day. Just to report back: it worked a treat! My only complaint is that, being made with cloudy apple juice, rather than proper cider, it's not quite got that tartness I love. Granny Smith apple juice would do it, I'm sure - other apples are maybe a touch sweet for me. But in any case, it hit the spot and is an excellent substitute for the instant stuff.