Homemade Hot Apple Cider Recipe

This warming Homemade Hot Apple Cider Recipe infuses fresh, unfiltered apple cider with a bouquet of whole spices and the caramel sweetness of real maple syrup. Simmered gently with strips of orange and lemon peel, it creates a steaming mug of aromatic comfort that fills the entire house with the scent of the holidays.

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Homemade Hot Apple Cider Ingredients

The Liquid Base:

• 6 cups Apple Cider: Use cloudy, unfiltered apple cider for the best body and flavor. Clear apple juice will lack the necessary depth.
• 1/4 cup Real Maple Syrup: Adds a rich, woody sweetness that complements the apples better than white sugar.

The Spice Bundle (Bouquet Garni):

• 2 Cinnamon Sticks: Plus extras for serving.
• 6 Whole Cloves: Essential for that sharp, holiday spice note.
• 6 Whole Allspice Berries: Bridges the gap between the cinnamon and cloves.
• Citrus Peels: 1 orange peel and 1 lemon peel, cut into strips. The oils from the skin add brightness without the acidity of the juice.

Equipment:

• Cheesecloth and Kitchen String: To make a sachet for easy removal of the spices.

How To Make Homemade Hot Apple Cider

1. Combine Liquids: Pour the apple cider and the maple syrup into a large stainless steel saucepan. Stir gently to combine.
2. Prepare the Sachet: Cut a square of washed cheesecloth. Place the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, orange peel strips, and lemon peel strips into the center. Gather the edges of the cloth together to enclose the bundle and tie it securely with a length of kitchen string.
3. Infuse: Drop the spice bundle directly into the cider mixture in the saucepan.
4. Heat Gently: Place the saucepan over moderate heat. Cook the cider until it is very hot and steaming, about 5 to 10 minutes. Crucial Step: Do not let the cider come to a rolling boil. Boiling can cause the natural pectins in the cider to separate, resulting in a cloudy or grainy texture and a “cooked” fruit taste.
5. Steep and Serve: Remove the cider from the heat. Carefully fish out the spice bundle and discard it (or save it for a second, weaker batch). Ladle the hot cider into big mugs. Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick or an orange wheel if desired.

Recipe Tips

• No Cheesecloth? No Problem: If you don’t have cheesecloth, simply throw the loose spices and peels directly into the pot. Just be sure to pour the cider through a fine-mesh sieve when serving to catch the cloves and peppercorns.
• Avoid the Pith: When peeling the orange and lemon strips, use a vegetable peeler and try to get only the colored zest. The white pith underneath is bitter and can taint the cider if simmered too long.
• Slow Cooker Method: This is perfect for parties. Throw everything in a slow cooker and heat on Low for 2–3 hours. Keep it on the “Warm” setting for guests to serve themselves.
• Spiked Version: For an adult treat, add a shot of bourbon, dark rum, or brandy to the mug before ladling in the hot cider.

What To Serve With Hot Apple Cider

• Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: The ultimate autumn pairing.
• Gingerbread: Spicy cookies echo the flavors in the drink.
• Cheese Board: Sharp cheddar cheese contrasts beautifully with the sweet apple.
• Roasted Pork: Use the cider as a braising liquid or serve alongside a pork loin dinner.

How To Store Homemade Hot Apple Cider

• Refrigerate: Allow the cider to cool completely, then store in a pitcher or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheat: Warm individual mugs in the microwave or reheat the batch on the stove over low heat.
• Freeze: You can freeze apple cider for up to 3 months. Leave a little room in the container for expansion. It makes an excellent slushy base when partially thawed.

Homemade Hot Apple Cider Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Sugar: 32g
• Potassium: 300mg
• Fat: 0g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving.

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