Spiced Hot Apple Cider (Printable Version)
A warming blend of spiced apple cider infused with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus for cozy moments.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cider
01 - 6 cups fresh apple cider or unfiltered apple juice
→ Spices
02 - 2 cinnamon sticks
03 - 6 whole cloves
04 - 4 whole allspice berries
05 - 1 star anise (optional)
→ Citrus
06 - 1 orange, sliced into rounds
07 - 1 lemon, sliced into rounds (optional)
→ Sweetener
08 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup (optional)
→ Garnish
09 - Fresh apple slices (optional)
10 - Additional cinnamon sticks (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Place apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, star anise (if using), orange slices, and lemon slices (if using) into a large saucepan.
02 - Heat over medium heat until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer without boiling.
03 - Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes to develop the spice infusion.
04 - Taste and stir in brown sugar or maple syrup as desired until fully dissolved.
05 - Remove spices and citrus slices by straining the liquid into a serving vessel.
06 - Ladle hot cider into mugs and garnish with fresh apple slices or cinnamon sticks if preferred.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It makes your home smell like the best kind of welcome.
- You can leave it simmering gently and it only gets better with time.
- Its naturally sweet enough that added sugar is truly optional.
02 -
- Do not let it boil or the spices will turn bitter and the cider will lose its brightness.
- Taste before adding any sweetener, many ciders are naturally sweet enough and extra sugar can make it cloying.
03 -
- Use a whole orange and lemon instead of juice, the peel adds oils that make the aroma unforgettable.
- If you don't have a strainer, just ladle carefully around the floating spices, it works fine and feels more relaxed.