Spiced Apple Cider Recipe
This homemade spiced apple cider is made with fresh apple juice, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, orange slice, and vanilla bean. It's an easy, aromatic drink to enjoy warm on chilly fall days or serve at holiday gatherings.
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 143kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 quart apple cider (or freshly juiced apples)
- 1 long cinnamon stick
- ½ vanilla bean (split down the middle)
- 4 whole cloves
- 4 cardamom pods
- 2 dehydrated orange slices (or 1 orange slice & 1 lime slice)
- 3 apple slices
- brown sugar (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- 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.
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!
Nutrition
Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 143kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 324mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 27g
