Spiced Apple Cider Warm (Printable)
A fragrant apple cider infused with warming spices like cinnamon and star anise, perfect for cold days.
# What You Need:
→ Cider
01 - 8 cups unfiltered apple cider
→ Spices & Flavorings
02 - 2 cinnamon sticks
03 - 4 whole cloves
04 - 3 whole star anise
05 - 1 orange, sliced
06 - 1/2 teaspoon whole allspice berries
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
→ Sweetener (optional)
08 - 2 to 3 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup, to taste
# How To Cook:
01 - Pour apple cider into a large saucepan or pot, then add cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange slices, allspice berries, and freshly grated nutmeg.
02 - Bring mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat without boiling.
03 - Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes to allow spices to infuse.
04 - Taste the cider and add brown sugar or maple syrup as desired, stirring to dissolve.
05 - Strain the mixture to remove all spices and orange slices, ensuring a smooth beverage.
06 - Ladle hot cider into mugs and garnish with orange slices or cinnamon sticks if preferred.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It fills your kitchen with the kind of fragrance that just feels like fall coming to visit
- The perfect balance of sweetness and spice that keeps you coming back for more
02 -
- Never let the cider reach a full boil or it can lose its delicate flavor nuances
- Using whole spices rather than ground ones keeps the taste fresh and prevents bitterness
03 -
- Toast your cinnamon sticks briefly in the pan before adding cider for an enhanced aroma
- Add fresh ginger slices for a warming kick that also soothes