Description
A fragrant, spiced apple cider simmered with orange, cinnamon, and warm baking spices – the ultimate cozy drink for fall gatherings. Makes your whole house smell like the holidays!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups (2 quarts) fresh apple cider
- 1 orange, sliced (peel on)
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp whole cloves
- 1 tbsp whole allspice berries
- 1 star anise pod
- 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, sliced
- Optional: 1/4 cup brown sugar (for extra sweetness)
- Optional: 1 cup dark rum or bourbon (for adults)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients (except alcohol) in a large pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat (do not boil).
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and steep for 30-60 minutes – the longer it simmers, the more intense the flavor.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove spices and fruit slices.
- For alcoholic version: Stir in rum or bourbon just before serving.
- Ladle into mugs, garnishing each with a fresh cinnamon stick and orange slice.
Notes
- Slow cooker option: Cook on LOW for 4 hours (perfect for parties)
- Spice bag trick: Place whole spices in cheesecloth for easy removal
- Storage: Refrigerate strained cider up to 5 days; reheat gently
- Adult variations: Add a splash of Fireball whiskey or spiced rum
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (non-alcoholic)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg