Spiced apple cider is the perfect comforting drink for cold weather. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this easy recipe that will warm you up. Simmer all the ingredients in a pan for 15 minutes, strain, and enjoy.
My family and friends have a tradition of going on long outings during the fall(check out another fall favorite, Cajun hot chocolate), packing our things, and enjoying the vibrant colors.
One must-pack item is spiced apple cider, which, with its comforting flavors, makes those moments even more memorable.
This recipe is loaded with fruit and has a minimal yet perfectly balanced amount of spices my family loves.
As soon as you start making this spiced apple cider, your home will be filled with the warm, festive aromas of cinnamon and spices, signaling the arrival of the cozy season.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
⭐️It's super easy to make and only takes 20 minutes.
⭐️Easy-to-find ingredients, ginger and cinnamon make this soothing combination perfect for relaxing.
⭐️Loaded with feel-good fall flavors.
Ingredients
- Apple cider: I used organic apple cider, which I usually get from Costco.
- Cinnamon sticks: I used cinnamon sticks for this recipe. While you can substitute it with cinnamon powder, I don't recommend it, as the powder can irritate the throat. Using whole cinnamon sticks to extract the flavor is more wholesome. You can also add entire cloves for balance, but that's optional.
- Star anise: It adds a mild spiciness and sweetness that works beautifully in this recipe.
- Fresh ginger: The warmth and slight heat of fresh ginger are exactly what you want in a cold-weather drink.
- Orange slices: You can remove the seeds and pith before adding them to the drink for enhanced flavor.
- Orange juice: This adds rich flavors to the cider.
- Maple syrup (optional): It helps balance the flavors of the ingredients.
How To Make Spiced Apple Cider
- In a large pot, combine apple cider, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, fresh ginger, jalapeño slices, orange slices, and maple syrup, then simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the cider, add cayenne pepper if desired, and serve warm with orange slices or a cinnamon stick garnish.
♨️How To Control The Heat
This cider brings a gentle warmth with a slight spiciness. The heat level depends on how much ginger and jalapeños you use. You can easily control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of jalapeños and ginger to your preference.
I made minor adjustments for clarity and smooth flow.
Leftovers & Reheating
Leftover spiced apple cider can be repurposed as a glaze for roasted vegetables, added to oatmeal.
Store the leftovers in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop or microwave until it's hot enough to enjoy.
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Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Slice the fruit thinly: Thin fruit slices will infuse quicker, allowing the flavors to blend more easily. You can add an extra orange for more orange flavor.
- Use fresh cinnamon and ginger: For better flavor extraction, always opt for fresh cinnamon sticks and fresh ginger rather than ground versions.
- Strain the solids: For a smooth finish, strain the solids from the drink before serving.
FAQ
I used organic apple cider for this recipe, but you can substitute it with fresh or store-bought apple juice.
You can add cardamom or nutmeg. I recommend cardamom for a rich, warm, tropical flavor.
Yes! This is one of my favorite methods. As it simmers in the slow cooker, your home will be filled with warm, comforting aromas. Cook it on low heat for about three hours.
More Recipes To Try
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know your thoughts in the 📝 comments section below the recipe.
📖 Recipe
Spiced Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider or apple juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 star anise optional
- 1- inch ginger fresh sliced
- 1 teaspoon jalapeño sliced
- 1 orange sliced
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup optional for sweetness
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for an extra kick
Instructions
- Simmer the cider: In a large pot, combine the apple cider, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, fresh ginger, jalapeño slices, orange slices, and maple syrup.
- Heat it up: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Strain and serve: Strain the cider to remove the solids. Stir in cayenne pepper if you want more spice. If desired, Serve warmly garnished with additional orange slices or a cinnamon stick.
Notes
- You can adjust the heat level by controlling the amount of ginger and jalapeños in the recipe.
- Leftover cider can be used as a glaze, added to oatmeal.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Additional Info
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