How to Make the Perfect Spiced Apple Cider
American · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings
This warm spiced apple cider is a cozy fall and winter drink made with fresh apple cider and aromatic whole spices simmered together on the stovetop. The perfect holiday hot drink with cinnamon cloves and star anise that fills your kitchen with an incredible seasonal aroma.
Why this recipe works
This Spiced Apple Cider recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 120 calories with 0g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 cups fresh apple cider
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 2 whole star anise
- 1 whole orange sliced into rounds
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Pour the apple cider into a medium saucepan and add the cinnamon sticks cloves star anise and orange slices.
Step 2: Simmer the Cider
Heat over medium heat until the cider begins to steam then reduce to low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
Step 3: Strain and Serve
Strain the cider through a fine mesh strainer into mugs discarding the whole spices. Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick and orange slice.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fresh apple cider → unfiltered apple juice as a widely available alternative
- star anise → a pinch of ground anise or simply omit it
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Boiling the cider instead of simmering which makes it bitter and reduces the fresh apple flavor
- Not straining out the whole spices before serving which can result in a gritty texture
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 120 calories, 0g protein, 30g carbs, 0g fat, 0g fiber.
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