Imagine a drink that wraps you in a cozy blanket of warmth, fills your home with an irresistible aroma, and transports you to a crisp autumn afternoon - that's exactly what this Basic Spiced Apple Cider promises! Whether you're looking to impress guests, create a festive holiday atmosphere, or simply treat yourself to a delicious homemade beverage, this recipe is your ticket to liquid comfort. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a magical elixir that will have everyone asking, "What smells so incredible?"
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 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
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 8 cups of apple cider, 1 sliced orange, 4 cinnamon sticks, 1 tablespoon of whole cloves, 1 tablespoon of allspice berries, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar (if desired).
- In a large pot, pour in the 8 cups of apple cider. Place the pot on the stove over medium heat.
- Add the sliced orange to the pot. Make sure to include both the flesh and the peel for added flavor.
- Next, add the 4 cinnamon sticks to the pot. These will infuse the cider with a warm, spicy aroma.
- Sprinkle in the 1 tablespoon of whole cloves and the 1 tablespoon of allspice berries. These spices will enhance the cider's complexity.
- If you prefer a sweeter cider, add the 1/4 cup of brown sugar at this stage. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot with a lid and allow the cider to simmer for about 2 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- After 2 hours, taste the cider and adjust the sweetness if necessary, adding more brown sugar if desired.
- Once the cider is done simmering, remove it from the heat. Strain the cider through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large serving pitcher or bowl to remove the spices and orange slices.
- Serve the spiced apple cider warm. You can garnish each cup with a fresh cinnamon stick or a slice of orange if desired.
- Enjoy your homemade basic spiced apple cider with friends and family!
Tips
- Choose high-quality, fresh apple cider for the best flavor - the difference is noticeable!
- Use whole spices instead of ground for a clearer, more vibrant infusion.
- Keep the heat low and slow to allow spices to fully release their flavors.
- For an adult version, consider adding a splash of bourbon or rum.
- Don't rush the simmering process - patience is key to developing deep, rich flavors.
- Store leftover cider in the refrigerator and reheat gently to preserve taste.
- Experiment with additional spices like star anise or fresh ginger for unique variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
