Spiced Hot Apple Cider (Printable)
A cozy blend of apple cider simmered with warming spices and citrus for a comforting drink.
# Ingredient List:
→ Fruit & Juice
01 - 8 cups unfiltered apple cider
02 - 1 orange, sliced
→ Spices
03 - 8 whole cloves
04 - 2 cinnamon sticks
05 - 4 whole allspice berries (optional)
06 - 1 star anise (optional)
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
→ Sweetener
08 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, to taste (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Pour the apple cider into a large saucepan or pot, then add the orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, star anise, and nutmeg.
02 - Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat without boiling, then reduce heat to low.
03 - Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until flavors meld.
04 - Taste and incorporate maple syrup or honey to preferred sweetness if desired.
05 - Strain the cider into mugs, discarding solids, and serve hot; optionally garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It fills your whole home with the kind of scent that makes people linger in doorways.
- You can have it simmering in under half an hour with ingredients you probably already own.
- It tastes like a hug in a mug without any fuss or fancy technique.
02 -
- Do not let this boil or the spices turn bitter and the cider loses its gentle sweetness.
- Strain it well because biting into a whole clove is an experience nobody wants twice.
03 -
- Let the cider sit on low heat for an extra ten minutes if you want the spices to really take over.
- Always taste before sweetening, some ciders are already perfect and adding sugar just muddies them.