Description
This cozy Spiced Apple Cider is a comforting homemade fall drink made with fresh apples, warm spices, and citrus. Perfect for chilly days, family gatherings, or festive holidays, it fills your home with the aroma of cinnamon and cloves while offering a naturally sweet, soothing flavor everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8–10 medium apples: a mix of sweet and tart varieties for balanced flavor
- 1 orange: adds bright citrus notes
- 3 cinnamon sticks: infuse the cider with warm spice
- 6 whole cloves: add earthy depth
- 2 star anise pods: create subtle licorice undertones
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: enhances sweetness with caramel flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: brings warmth and nutty spice
- 10 cups water: base for simmering and flavor extraction
Instructions
- Slice the apples and orange into rounds, removing any seeds if desired.
- In a large stockpot, combine the fruit slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
- Add water to cover the ingredients completely.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a low simmer.
- Simmer uncovered for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until apples are very soft and fragrant.
- Use a potato masher to gently crush the softened fruit, releasing the juices.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot or pitcher.
- Taste and adjust sweetness as desired by adding more sugar or honey.
- Serve warm in mugs, garnished with cinnamon sticks or apple slices.
Notes
- Use a variety of apples such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
- For a stronger spice flavor, add extra cinnamon or cloves during simmering.
- To make ahead, store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stove to preserve flavor.
- For a sparkling twist, mix chilled cider with club soda or ginger ale before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Spiced Apple Cider, apple cider recipe, homemade cider, warm fall drink, autumn beverage, cinnamon cider, apple spice drink