Spiced Apple Cider

Weather you consider a cold winter day to be in the mid 40’s or if your winter days are a bit cooler than that (for us, -4 yesterday), there’s just no denying that a warm, welcoming sip on a cup of something fantastic is just what the doctor ordered. You could grab for a cup of coffee or tea but why, when you can fill your home with all the aromas of the season at the same time you are making something absolutely delectable?

Spiced apple cider is not something that I grew up with, but since my wife introduced me to it has become something that I look forward to every year.  The weather turns cool and on some random day we are welcomed by the most perfect cold-day concoction ever.  Our home is filled with the scents of apples, cinnamon, cloves and ginger and all but one of the men in the house file to the kitchen for a taste of perfection. This is the effect my wife’s cider has on us.

There are as many recipes for hot apple cider as there are for marinara sauces and for peanut butter cookies.  This is ours.  If you grew up with this drink then this recipe may seem strange, but I promise you that while it may not be your grandmothers, it is still darned good and I hope you’ll give it a try.

If not, at least make your family recipe and enjoy a steaming cup with friends.  After all, that’s what food is about, isn’t it?

Yield: 1 gallon

Spiced Apple Cider

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Print

Ingredients

• 1 gallon (128 ounces) 100% natural apple cider
• 1 to 2 oranges
• 7 ounces cinnamon sticks (about 12 sticks)
• 1 heaping Tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 2-inch knob of ginger root, peeled and crushed slightly
• 1/2 cup sugar (if needed, for sweetness)

Instructions

1. Pour apple cider into a large stock pot or soup pot. Cut oranges in half, squeeze juices into apple cider and drop oranges into pot. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves and ginger.
2. Bring just to a simmer then reduce heat and steep for 2 to 4 hours, stirring every half-hour or so until flavors are combined. Taste frequently. Add sugar if needed for sweetness.
3. Serve piping hot with a fresh cinnamon stick and a slice of orange in each cup.
4. Share and Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

16

Serving Size:

1 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 73Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 5mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 7gSugar: 10gProtein: 1g

Actually, as this is the second time we’ve made spiced apple cider this year, I thought to add some ginger.  it was a great addition, though i may try some candied ginger next time just to see how that comes through in the end.

Links to other recipes like this:

• Spiced Apple Cider, from Apartment Therapy
• Simple Spiced Apple Cider, from the lovely Rachael at La Fuji Mama
• Hot Apple Cider, from Jane Spice Recipes