Mulled Spiced Apple Cider
Spiced Cider is a fragrant and warming beverage perfect for chilly evenings or holiday gatherings. This traditional drink is made by simmering apple cider with a variety of spices such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and orange peels. Often, sweeteners like brown sugar or honey are added to enhance the cider's natural sweetness, and a splash of rum or bourbon is optional for an adult version. Served hot, this cozy drink is garnished with a cinnamon stick or an apple slice and brings a festive aroma to any occasion.
Celebrate the coziness of autumn with a warm and inviting cup of Homemade Spiced Apple Cider. Brought to you by the culinary creativity of Danielle Walker, this classic fall beverage is perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. Ditch the store-bought, sugar-laden versions and embrace the simplicity of making your own spiced cider, filling your home with its aromatic spices and fresh flavors.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups of unfiltered apple juice (100% apple cider, no added sugar)
- 1 teaspoon of whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 or 4 star anise
- Zest of 2 fresh oranges
- Zest of 1 fresh lemon
- Fresh slices of oranges and lemons for garnish (optional)
**Equipment:**
- Saucepan
- Microplane or zester
- Stovetop or slow cooker
- Strainer (optional)
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Instructions:
1. Pour the unfiltered apple juice into your saucepan.
2. Add one teaspoon of whole cloves directly into the pot.
3. Drop in two cinnamon sticks and three or four star anise for a lovely aromatic elevation.
4. Using a microplane or zester, zest the oranges and lemon directly into the mix, ensuring the zest is fine and avoids the bitter white pith beneath the colorful skin.
5. Optionally, for a beautiful presentation, slice additional oranges and lemons and float them on top of your cider.
6. Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to medium-low. Allow the cider to warm and simmer for approximately 30 minutes. There is no need to bring it to a boil; you only want it warm enough so that the spices infuse their essence into the juice.
7. If serving to guests, consider putting a little cinnamon stick in each mug, which can serve as both a flavor enhancer and a stir stick.
8. Once the cider is flavored to your liking, turn off the heat. If desired, strain the liquid to remove the whole spices and zest remnants.
9. Serve in your favorite fall-themed mugs, garnishing with a citrus slice if you used them, and enjoy the taste of autumn in a cup.
Cooking Tips:
- If using a slow cooker, combine all ingredients and set to low heat, allowing it to simmer and stay warm throughout your gathering.
- To avoid biting into cloves or anise stars, ensure you strain your cider or serve with a spoon or stir stick for guests to check their cup.
This delightful recipe is adapted from Danielle Walker's methods at her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Againstallgrain
Enjoy this simple yet sophisticated apple cider that's sure to impress and warm your guests from the inside out!
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