Spiced Hot Apple Cider (Printer-friendly)

A warming blend of apple cider with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus notes, ideal for chilly evenings.

# What You Need:

→ Apple Cider

01 - 6 cups unfiltered apple cider

→ Spices

02 - 2 cinnamon sticks
03 - 6 whole cloves
04 - 4 whole allspice berries
05 - 2 star anise pods (optional)

→ Citrus

06 - 1 orange, sliced

→ Sweetener

07 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar (to taste)

# How to Make It:

01 - Place apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, star anise (if using), and orange slices into a large saucepan.
02 - Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
03 - Lower heat to low and maintain a gentle simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes to infuse flavors.
04 - Stir in maple syrup or brown sugar if additional sweetness is desired.
05 - Remove from heat, strain to remove spices and orange slices, then serve warm in mugs, optionally garnished with an orange slice or cinnamon stick.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It feels like sharing a secret with a friend when you tell them the simple blend of spices makes ordinary cider extraordinary
  • The warmth and aroma make it a go-to for festive gatherings or quiet nights in
02 -
  • Simmering gently and not boiling keeps the spices from becoming bitter and keeps the cider smooth
  • Adding the sweetener at the end lets you control the flavor perfectly so you never overpower the natural spice blend
03 -
  • Use fresh whole spices instead of powders for a brighter, cleaner flavor
  • The key to perfection is low and slow simmering to coax out every aroma gently

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