Let’s talk about Spiced Apple Cider, the ultimate fall drink that people think will make autumn better. It’s like sipping autumn in a mug—if autumn was made of apples, cinnamon, and a splash of something that makes you question your life choices.
Forget pumpkin spice lattes; this drink has actual spices. Plus, it’s warm, it’s comforting, and it’s the beverage equivalent of a cozy sweater—except it doesn’t itch or make you look like a chunky knit burrito. Ready to make some? Of course, you are. Who wouldn’t want to boil fruit juice with sticks of tree bark for an hour?
Spiced Apple Cider Fall Drink
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh apple juice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
- 1 orange thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 shot of rum or bourbon per serving for those who want a little “extra warmth”
Instructions
- Heat the Apple Juice: Pour 4 cups of fresh apple juice into a medium-sized saucepan.
- Add Spices: Toss in 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 whole cloves, and 1 star anise. Stir to combine.
- Sweeten It Up: Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to the mix. Stir until dissolved.
- Slice the Orange: Thinly slice 1 orange and add the slices to the pan.
- Simmer and Infuse: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for 30-45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
- Strain the Spices: Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the spices and orange slices from the cider.
- Serve: Ladle the hot cider into mugs. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a shot of rum or bourbon.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with an additional cinnamon stick or a slice of orange. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin C: 6%
- Potassium: 3%
- Calcium: 2%
- Iron: 1%
- Vitamin A: 1%
Additional Notes/Tips to Enhance the Flavor for the Recipe
- For a richer flavor, substitute a portion of the apple juice with pear juice.
- Adding a shot of bourbon or rum gives the cider an adult twist, perfect for holiday parties.
- For a stronger spice flavor, let the spices steep in the hot cider for an extra 10 minutes.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or star anise to make it Instagram-ready.
Summary of the Recipe
This Spiced Apple Cider recipe infuses fresh apple juice with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise for a drink that tastes like fall in a cup. It’s perfect for cozy evenings or impressing guests with your seasonal culinary skills.
Servings of the Recipe
This recipe serves 4 people.
Estimated Cost of the Recipe
Estimated cost: $10 to $15, depending on where you buy your overpriced organic apples and exotic spices.
Prep Time of the Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes.
Cook Time of the Recipe
Cook Time: 45 minutes.
Total Time Taken to Prepare the Recipe
Total Time: 55 minutes.
Which Course Does This Recipe Come Under?
Course: Beverage.
Which Cuisines Does This Recipe Come Under?
Cuisine: American.
Equipment Required for This Recipe
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Fine mesh strainer
- Ladle
- Serving mugs
Ingredients and Their Quantities Required for This Recipe
- 4 cups fresh apple juice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 shot of rum or bourbon per serving (for those who want a little “extra warmth”)
Instructions in Steps
- Heat the Apple Juice: Pour 4 cups of fresh apple juice into a medium-sized saucepan.
- Add Spices: Toss in 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 whole cloves, and 1 star anise. Stir to combine.
- Sweeten It Up: Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to the mix. Stir until dissolved.
- Slice the Orange: Thinly slice 1 orange and add the slices to the pan.
- Simmer and Infuse: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for 30-45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
- Strain the Spices: Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the spices and orange slices from the cider.
- Serve: Ladle the hot cider into mugs. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a shot of rum or bourbon.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with an additional cinnamon stick or a slice of orange. Enjoy!
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin C: 6%
- Potassium: 3%
- Calcium: 2%
- Iron: 1%
- Vitamin A: 1%
Additional Notes/Tips to Enhance the Flavor for the Recipe
- For a richer flavor, substitute a portion of the apple juice with pear juice.
- Adding a shot of bourbon or rum gives the cider an adult twist, perfect for holiday parties.
- For a stronger spice flavor, let the spices steep in the hot cider for an extra 10 minutes.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or star anise to make it Instagram-ready.
Now, grab your mugs and get ready to sip on something that makes sweater weather bearable!
