Hot Apple Cider Drink (Printable View)

A soothing spiced apple drink with cinnamon, cloves, and orange, ideal for cold weather.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cider Base

01 - 8 cups apple cider (unfiltered if possible)

→ Spices & Flavorings

02 - 2 cinnamon sticks
03 - 5 whole cloves
04 - 2 star anise (optional)
05 - 1 orange, sliced
06 - 1 apple, thinly sliced
07 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

→ Garnish

09 - Extra apple slices
10 - Cinnamon sticks

# How to Prepare:

01 - In a large saucepan, place apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange slices, apple slices, brown sugar, and ground nutmeg.
02 - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat without boiling.
03 - Reduce heat to low and let the cider simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes to develop flavors.
04 - Taste and adjust sweetness if desired, then remove from heat.
05 - Strain the mixture into serving mugs to remove spices and fruit pieces.
06 - Garnish each serving with fresh apple slices or a cinnamon stick as preferred and serve hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's embarrassingly easy to make, yet tastes like you've been fussing over it for hours
  • The kitchen fills with a warmth that no candle can match, and your guests notice it the moment they walk in
  • It's naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, so everyone around your table can enjoy it without worry
  • One pot, no fancy equipment needed—just patience and maybe a good conversation partner
02 -
  • Never let it boil hard. I learned this when I was impatient once and the drink tasted somehow thin and sharp instead of rich and round. A gentle simmer is everything.
  • The quality of your cider matters more than any other ingredient. Once I invested in really good cider, everything else fell into place. It's worth the extra dollar or two.
  • Taste it before you serve it to guests. Sometimes different batches of cider have different sugar levels, and you want to own that adjustment rather than have someone take the first sip and wince.
03 -
  • Use a saucepan with a heavy bottom so the heat distributes evenly and nothing scorches on the edges
  • If you're making this for a gathering, prepare it earlier in the day and reheat gently just before serving—the flavors will have deepened even more

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