Hot apple cider in the fall. What could be better? Even though it's still sunny up North, the nights are getting cold. It was down to 30º the other night! We think it's just about time for spiced apple cider. We made up a big pot last night, simmered with fragrant cinnamon that made the whole house smell wonderful.
Here's our basic recipe, spicing up fresh, local apple cider with warm cinnamon and cloves. Do you drink spiced cider in the fall? What do you add?
Spiced Apple Cider
1 gallon
1 gallon fresh apple cider
10 cinnamon sticks
5 anise pods
3 teaspoons whole cloves
1 cup extra dark rum (optional)
Orange slices for garnish
Pour the cider into a large pot and simmer with the spices for 10-15 minutes. If you want, tie the spices up in cheesecloth for easy removal later - or just let people deal with cloves in their drinks. Add the rum at the end. Garnish with a slice of orange.
(Image credit: POM Wonderful)
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Oh how I miss real apple cider! I haven't had any since I moved from apple country. The stuff they sell as "cider" down here in the South is nothing more than apple juice and is incredibly sweet.
view quercus's profile
I find that a great easy way to spice one cup of cider is by heating it up in the microwave with an orange tea bag. the flavors are definitely the same!
view heatherosej's profile
I like to add orange and lemon slices during the simmer, not just as a garnish. This stuff makes your house smell like heaven!
view Anne (in Reno)'s profile
I add orange peel. I'm so excited for hot apple cider season, thanks for reminding me!
view vera in dc's profile
(orange peel in addition to the ingredients listed above)
view vera in dc's profile
williams sonoma makes a nice already mixed mulling spices that are great for when you just want an individual cup.
view EastVillageAmy's profile
Sadly, it's too hot here in the fall for hot apple cider. But I always tart mine up in the winter with a splash of brandy, a little butter, and a cinnamon stick.
view verily's profile
Agree that pre-made cider in the South is more super thick, super thick apple juice than anything else.
But for the actual winter (winter, that's funny. We don't really have one.), I have two friends that do alternatives--one has a good recipe for mulled wine, and the other has a KNOCK.OUT. recipe for hot buttered rum.
I'll dig and see if I can find the recipes to share.
You make the hot buttered rum in a crock pot. SO good.
view Nicole R's profile
Quite a nice recipe, but I still prefer a cold, crisp hard cider to the hot stuff!
view Jim of ChewOnThat's profile
Nicole R, I'm looking forward to the recipe.
view quercus's profile
yesterday i was thinking i can't wait until its cool enough to try this recipe... today i wokeup to a windy and rainy day, the perfect weather :)
view sanna's profile
It gets better if you let leftovers stew in the spices in the fridge for a day. Yum!
view Mike D's profile
i'd like the hot butter rum as well. I plannd on making some last winter and never got around to it, so i hope this year i can. I just fond a random recipe online, but it'll help if someone has a really good one already to go.
Please find it! *now i just gotta remember to check this later
view jmorey's profile
I'm sorry, but the rum IS NOT optional.
view ErikTheRed's profile