Imagine walking into a cozy kitchen filled with the most intoxicating aroma of warm spices and sweet apple goodness. This isn't just another drink - it's a magical elixir that transforms your home into a comforting sanctuary of flavor and warmth. Our homemade spiced apple cider recipe is about to become your new seasonal obsession, promising to delight your senses and warm you from the inside out with every single sip.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider
- 1 orange, sliced
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon allspice berries
- 1 tablespoon ginger, sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and ensure they are fresh and of high quality. Wash the orange thoroughly before slicing.
- Select a large, heavy-bottomed pot or slow cooker that can comfortably hold 8-10 cups of liquid.
- Pour the apple cider into the pot, creating an even base for the spices.
- Add the sliced orange pieces directly into the cider, allowing the citrus oils to infuse the liquid.
- Place the whole cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, and sliced ginger into the pot.
- If desired, sprinkle the brown sugar into the mixture, stirring gently to help it dissolve.
- Set the heat to low-medium and bring the cider to a gentle simmer, being careful not to boil.
- Cover the pot and let the spices steep and infuse for approximately 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the cider periodically and adjust spices if needed for desired intensity.
- When ready to serve, strain the cider through a fine-mesh strainer to remove whole spices.
- Ladle the warm spiced cider into mugs, garnishing with a cinnamon stick if desired.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality apple cider for the most robust flavor profile. Fresh ingredients make a massive difference in the final taste.
- Don't rush the simmering process - low and slow is the key to allowing spices to fully infuse their flavors into the cider.
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider using a mix of sweet and tart apples in your cider base.
- If you prefer a stronger spice profile, slightly crush the whole spices before adding them to release more intense flavors.
- For an adult version, you can add a splash of bourbon or rum during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
- Store leftover cider in the refrigerator and reheat gently - the flavors will continue to develop and become even more delicious.
- Experiment with garnishes like star anise, a cinnamon stick, or a slice of orange to make each serving visually appealing and extra festive.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
