Spiced Apple Cider
Spiced apple cider is the ultimate cozy beverage that fills your home with the comforting aromas of cinnamon and clove. This delightful drink combines sweet and tart apples, creating a warm hug in a mug that’s perfect for chilly evenings and festive gatherings. It’s easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both intimate nights in and larger celebrations. Enjoy it hot or cold, garnished with cinnamon sticks or star anise for an inviting touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 fresh apples (mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 2 star anise
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (adjust as needed)
- 8 cups filtered water
Instructions
- Wash and quarter the apples (leave the skin on).
- In a large pot, combine apples, water, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat and stir in brown sugar; taste and adjust sweetness.
- Simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes until aromatic.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove solids.
- Serve hot in mugs, garnished with additional spices if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240ml)
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added depth, consider mixing in pears or adding a splash of rum for an adult version. Leftover cider can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week; reheat gently before serving.