This spiced apple cider is made with fresh apple juice, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and dehydrated orange slices for a fragrant, warming drink that's perfect for chilly fall days and holiday gatherings.
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Gently simmered on the stovetop, this easy spiced apple cider brings out the natural sweetness of the apples and the warm aroma of the spices. Serve it hot or warm, with a cinnamon stick and fresh apple slice for garnish.
I'm using freshly juiced apples from my friend's apple trees. If you'd like to make your own fresh apple juice at home, here's the 3-in-1 Juicer I recommend.
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Ingredients & Substitutions
- Apple Juice: I juiced a mixture of apples, which I picked recently at a friend's house. If you don't want to juice your own, use unfiltered apple juice/apple cider.
- Spices: I added a cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods.
- Other Ingredients: Vanilla bean, dehydrated or fresh citrus slices, or 1 fresh orange slice. I also added a few fresh apple slices and a dehydrated lime slice (optional).
- Optional Ingredients: Feel free to add any of the following: 3 allspice berries, a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, 1-2 slices of fresh ginger, a star anise, and brown sugar to taste.
How to Make Spiced Apple Cider
Step 1: Pour 1 quart of apple juice or cider into a medium saucepan. Add a cinnamon stick, split vanilla bean, cloves, cardamom pods, citrus slices, and fresh apple slices.
Step 2: Bring the spiced cider mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Taste and add brown sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed. I added 3 tbsp. Simmer for 20 minutes, partially covered or uncovered.
Step 3: If using freshly juiced apples, add water as needed to adjust the consistency. I added 1 cup. Strain the cider through a fine-mesh strainer before serving. Pour into mugs and garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick and a fresh apple slice.
Make It a Spiked Apple Cider
For a spiked version, stir 1-2 ounces of bourbon, brandy, dark rum, or spiced rum into each mug of warm cider just before serving. Start with 1 ounce and add more to taste. Avoid adding the alcohol while the cider is simmering, as heating can cause alcohol to evaporate.
How to Store and Reheat Spiced Apple Cider
Refrigerating: Allow leftover spiced cider to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours. Enjoy within 3-4 days.
Reheating: Warm the cider gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming hot. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.
Freezing: You can freeze leftover cider in a freezer-safe container, leaving room for expansion. Thaw it in the refrigerator and stir well before reheating, as some separation may occur.
Pro Tips
- Adjust the spices to taste. For a stronger spice flavor, let the cider steep a little longer after simmering.
- Don't let the cider boil rapidly. Heat it gently to preserve its fresh apple flavor while allowing the spices to infuse.
- Strain before serving. Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the spices, citrus slices, and apple pieces for a smooth, flavorful spiced cider.
- If the cider is too concentrated, stir in a little water at a time until you reach the preferred flavor and consistency. Taste as you go to avoid diluting the flavor too much!
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Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pour 1 quart of apple juice or cider into a medium saucepan. Add a cinnamon stick, split vanilla bean, cloves, cardamom pods, citrus slices, and fresh apple slices.
- Bring the spiced cider mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Taste and add brown sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed. I added 3 tbsp. Simmer for 20 minutes, partially covered or uncovered.
- If using freshly juiced apples, add water as needed to adjust the consistency. I added 1 cup. Strain the cider through a fine-mesh strainer before serving. Pour into mugs and garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick and a fresh apple slice.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Adjust the spices to taste. For a stronger spice flavor, let the cider steep a little longer after simmering.
- Don't let the cider boil rapidly. Heat it gently to preserve its fresh apple flavor while allowing the spices to infuse.
- Strain before serving. Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the spices, citrus slices, and apple pieces for a smooth, flavorful spiced cider.
- If the cider is too concentrated, stir in a little water at a time until you reach the preferred flavor and consistency. Taste as you go to avoid diluting the flavor too much!
Hilda Sterner says
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