Cider Spiced Warm Apple (Print version)
Fragrant warm apple cider infused with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and citrus. Cozy and flavorful.
# Ingredient List:
→ Cider Base
01 - 6 cups (1.5 quarts) unfiltered apple cider
→ Spices & Flavorings
02 - 2 cinnamon sticks
03 - 4 whole cloves
04 - 3 star anise pods
05 - 1 orange, sliced
06 - 1/2 teaspoon whole allspice
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
→ Sweetener (optional)
08 - 2 to 3 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup, to taste
# How To Make It:
01 - Pour the apple cider into a large saucepan and add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange slices, allspice, and nutmeg.
02 - Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
03 - Reduce heat to low and let the cider simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes to allow the spices to fully infuse.
04 - Taste the cider and add brown sugar or maple syrup as desired, stirring until dissolved.
05 - Strain the cider through a fine mesh sieve to remove the spices and orange slices, then serve hot in mugs, garnished optionally with a cinnamon stick or orange slice.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It fills your entire house with that cozy, festive aroma within minutes of starting.
- No real cooking skill required—just patience while it simmers and your instincts take over.
- You can stretch one batch across an afternoon by reheating, and it somehow tastes even better the second time around.
02 -
- If you let the cider boil hard instead of simmer gently, the spices turn bitter and the whole thing tastes harsh—low and slow is not a suggestion.
- Unfiltered cider sometimes separates or settles; give it a gentle stir before pouring to make sure you're getting the full flavor.
03 -
- Use a fine mesh sieve for straining, not cheesecloth—the spices are too small and will slip through, leaving grit in your cup.
- If you're making this ahead for a party, strain it and keep it in a covered pot on low heat; it stays fresh and warm without developing that stale cooked flavor.