Hot Apple Cider to Warm Your Winter Chills

Nothing says winter like Hot Apple Cider, especially as the season brings apples into their prime moment. There’s something magical about cozying up with a warm mug of this timeless beverage. The drink is so beloved, it even has its own National Day on November 18.

Easy hot Apple cider recipe

uHot apple cider is a warm beverage made from apple cider infused with various spices and sometimes citrus fruits.

Apple or soft cider is a beverage made from unfiltered pressed apples. What’s the difference between apple juice and apple cider? Apple cider is typically raw, unfiltered juice made by crushing and pressing apples. It retains more of the pulp and sediment. On the other hand, apple juice is usually filtered and pasteurized and has a clearer appearance and a lighter taste.

Hot apple cider is characterized by a sweet and tangy apple base complemented by a variety of spices like cinnamon or cloves. It makes you warm and packs many health benefits. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Some believe it can aid digestion and even boost the immune system.

Here is how to make hot or mulled apple cider:

Hot Apple Cider

A warming autumn beverage that combines fresh apple juice with aromatic mulling spices. Perfect for cool evenings, holiday gatherings, or any time you crave a cozy, spiced drink.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 110 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 8 apples a mix of sweet and tart varieties
• 1 orange sliced
• 1 lemon sliced
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 8 whole cloves
• 1/2 cup brown sugar adjust to taste
• 1 tsp whole allspice
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 8 cups water

Instructions

 

• Wash, core, and roughly chop the apples. There’s no need to peel them as the skins will add flavor and color to the cider.
• In a large pot, combine the chopped apples, orange slices, lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, brown sugar, allspice, whole cloves, and ground nutmeg.
• Pour 8 cups of water into the pot, ensuring that the ingredients are fully submerged.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least about 1 hour or longer. The longer it simmers, the more intense the flavors will be.
• Mash the softened apples with a potato masher to extract maximum flavor. Afterward, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another pot or heat-resistant bowl.
• Reheat the strained cider if needed and serve it warm. Garnish each cup with a cinnamon stick for an extra touch. You can refridgereate your cider to keep it last longer.

Notes

– If you want to reduce the simmer time, you can use an instant pot. It takes around 20 minutes. 

– You can also make apple cider from apple juice by pouring the apple juice by pouring it into a large pot and gently heating it over medium-low heat. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a touch of nutmeg to the liquid, letting the spices mingle and enhance the flavor.

Allow the mixture to simmer, but not boil, for at least 20-30 minutes. You can toss in a few slices of fresh orange or lemon peel for a hint of citrusy brightness. Once the cider has absorbed the rich essence of the spices, strain out the solids, and serve your homemade apple cider.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcal

Keyword autumn recipes, homemade drink, hot apple cider, mulled cider, winter drinks

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How to pair

Hot apple cider pairs well with a variety of dishes, enhancing both sweet and savory flavors.

1. Sweet Pairings

• Apple pie or crisp: Warm apple desserts paired with vanilla ice cream bring out cider’s flavors.
• Cinnamon-sugar doughnuts: The spices in doughnuts complement cider’s cozy notes.
• Gingerbread: Spiced gingerbread enhances cider’s warmth for a festive treat.
• Caramel apples: A fall favorite that pairs deliciously with hot cider.
• Cinnamon rolls: Sweet and spicy rolls make an ideal match with cider’s warmth.
• Fresh apple cider donuts
• Apple fritters

2. Savory Pairings

• Grilled cheese sandwiches: Sharp cheddar or creamy brie provides a tasty contrast to cider’s sweetness.
• Turkey dishes: Herb-roasted turkey pairs perfectly with cider, especially for holidays.
• Pork dishes: Cider-braised or roasted pork with cider gravy complements cider’s flavor.
• Squash soup: Seasonal squash soup aligns beautifully with hot cider.
• Autumn harvest salads
• Roasted root vegetables

3. Breakfast/Brunch Options

• Quiche
• Pancakes or waffles
• Sausage and sage stuffing
• French toast
• Bacon and eggs
• Breakfast sausages
• Apple-cinnamon muffins

Variations

Here are several variations and ideas for making your hot apple cider unique and enjoyable.

1. Caramel Spice Hot Apple Cider

• Add 1/4 cup caramel sauce
• Double the cinnamon sticks
• Add 1 vanilla bean, split
• Reduce brown sugar to 1/4 cup

2. Cranberry Apple

• Add 2 cups cranberry juice
• Reduce water to 6 cups
• Add 1/4 cup maple syrup instead of brown sugar
• Add 2 star anise pods

3. Pear-Apple Blend

• Replace 3 apples with 3 ripe pears
• Add 2 tbsp honey
• Add 1/4 tsp cardamom
• Add fresh ginger slices

4. Maple Rosemary

• Replace brown sugar with 1/3 cup maple syrup
• Add 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• Add 1/4 tsp black peppercorns
• Add orange zest from 1 extra orange

5. Mulled Wine Apple

• Replace 2 cups water with red wine
• Add 2 star anise
• Add extra orange slices
• Reduce brown sugar to 1/4 cup

6. Spicy Hot Apple Cider

• Add 2 slices of fresh ginger
• Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Add 2 tbsp honey
• Add 1 vanilla bean

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