Homemade Hot Apple Cider
My hot apple cider is the perfect holiday drink! Infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves, it’s sure to bring warmth and holiday cheer!
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple juice best is freshly squeezed apple juice, or use unfiltered apple juice or apple cider
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup orange juice from 2 medium oranges
- 1 Tbsp orange zest from 1 orange
- 1 inch ginger
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 cloves
- 1 star anise
Instructions
- Wash and chop the apples, then pass them through your juicer. Sieve the apple juice to remove any leftover pulp and foam.If you're using a blender, add the chopped apples and a little water. Blend, then strain.
- Zest one of the oranges. Juice the oranges.
- In a large saucepan, add the apple juice, orange juice, orange zest, ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 30 minutes. The longer you simmer, the more intense the flavor will become. Once it's boiled, taste it, and then continue to taste it every 5-10 minutes for up to an hour until you enjoy the flavor.Add a little more water for a less concentrated flavor. For an adult treat, add 1/4-1/2 cup of rum (or other liquor) and simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the hot apple cider and ladle it in tea cups, mugs, or glasses. Optionally garnish with apple slices, orange twists, or cinnamon sticks, and enjoy hot.
Notes
To store: Any leftover hot apple cider can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Strain and reserve the liquid only. Reheat only once on the stovetop or in the microwave as needed.
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Nutrition
Calories: 79kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.05g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 206mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 77IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 0.5mg