Spiced Apple Cider Recipe

This spiced apple cider started as a way to use up a bag of aging apples and a handful of spices. I love how it transforms simple ingredients into a warm, fragrant drink that feels like a hug. It’s perfect for those quiet evenings when you want something comforting but not overly sweet. Plus, it’s so easy to make, I often find myself improvising with whatever’s in the pantry.

Why This Cider Keeps Calling Me Back

Its comforting warmth makes it a go-to on chilly nights. The aroma alone lifts my spirits, and customizing it feels like a small act of care. Plus, it’s versatile—perfect for lazy weekends or quick gatherings. It’s a simple brew that never fails to make the house smell like fall.

Breaking Down the Ingredients

• Apple cider: The soulful base—use unfiltered for richer flavor and a bit of oozy pulp.
• Cinnamon stick: A warm, woody aroma that grounds the spice blend—swap for star anise if you like a licorice hint.
• Cloves: Intensely fragrant, a little goes a long way—try allspice for a milder note.
• Orange peel: Brightens the brew with citrus zing—lemon peel works as a lively substitute.
• Honey or maple syrup: Sweetens naturally—use brown sugar for a richer, caramel note.
• Optional: Ginger slices or a splash of bourbon for a twist.: Gives extra warmth and complexity—try fresh ginger for a spicy kick.

Tools of the Trade for Cozy Cider

• Large saucepan: To gently simmer the cider and spices.
• Strainer: To remove spices and orange peel after simmering.
• Mugs: For serving and enjoying your warm cider.
• Measuring spoons and cups: To measure spices and liquids accurately.

The Art of the Perfect Spiced Apple Cider

Step 1: Gather a large pot, ideally wide and sturdy, to hold everything comfortably.

Step 2: Pour in 1 liter of fresh apple cider—preferably unfiltered for that cloudy, rustic look.

Step 3: Add a cinnamon stick, a few cloves, and a strip of orange peel. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat (around 80°C/175°F).

Step 4: Let it simmer slowly for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the house fills with warm, spiced aroma.

Step 5: Taste and adjust sweetness with honey or maple syrup if needed. Keep on low heat, don’t boil.

Step 6: Strain out the spices and orange peel. Serve hot in mugs, garnished with a fresh cinnamon stick or a slice of apple.

Spiced Apple Cider

This spiced apple cider combines unfiltered apple juice with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel, simmered gently to develop a fragrant aroma and rich flavor. The final beverage has a warm, slightly cloudy appearance with a comforting texture, perfect for cozy evenings. Sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup, it offers a soothing, aromatic experience with a hint of citrus and spice.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 liter apple cider preferably unfiltered for more flavor
• 1 stick cinnamon whole cinnamon stick
• 4 cloves cloves whole cloves
• 1 strip orange peel fresh orange peel, about 2 inches long
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup adjust to taste
• optional ginger slices or splash of bourbon for extra warmth and flavor

Equipment

• Large saucepan
• Strainer
• Mugs
• Measuring spoons and cups

Method

 

1. Pour the apple cider into a large saucepan and set it over medium heat.
2. Add the whole cinnamon stick, cloves, and orange peel to the cider. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, just below boiling point.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer slowly for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse the cider with warm aromas.
4. Stir in honey or maple syrup to taste, adjusting the sweetness as desired. Keep the mixture warm but do not let it boil.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and strain out the spices and orange peel using a fine strainer, collecting the fragrant cider in a clean bowl or pitcher.
6. Pour the warm, fragrant cider into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange if desired. Serve immediately while steaming hot.

Notes

You can add fresh ginger slices or a splash of bourbon for extra warmth. Adjust sweetness to your preference, and enjoy this cozy, aromatic drink during chilly evenings.

Cider-Making Checkpoints & Tips

• The cider should be steaming, not boiling, to keep flavors bright and fresh.
• Spices should be fragrant but not overpowering—adjust to your taste.
• The orange peel adds a bright note—don’t skip it if possible.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

• Not enough spice aroma.? If cider is too bland, add more spices and simmer longer.
• Overpowering spice.? If it’s too spicy, dilute with more cider or add a touch more sweetener.
• Spice bits or pulp in the drink.? If the cider is cloudy, ensure you strain it thoroughly.
• Too much sweetness.? If it’s too sweet, add a splash of lemon juice to brighten.

This cider isn’t just a drink; it’s a moment of calm, a whisper of fall in every sip. It’s forgiving enough to tweak with your favorite spices or sweeteners, making it yours. Pour it out, share with friends, or keep it all to yourself, warm in your hands, on a chilly day.

Olivia

Hi there! I’m Olivia Chen-Williams, a 54-year-old late-blooming cook, career coach, and the face behind Turn Around At 50 – a food blog that proves it’s never too late to start something new (even if your first attempt burns to a crisp!).