Holiday Spiced Apple Cider

Allergens

This recipe contains allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten. To make it allergen-friendly, replace the apple juice with a suitable substitute and check all ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Ingredients

• 6 cups freshly pressed apple juice
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 6 whole cloves
• Star anise (optional)
• Lemon or lime slices for garnish
• Cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, combine the apple juice, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and ground cloves. Stir well to combine the spices evenly throughout the apple juice.
2. Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. In the meantime, in a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, orange zest, and orange juice. Stir the mixture until the sugar has dissolved completely. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
4. After the apple cider mixture has simmered for 15 minutes, add the orange syrup to the saucepan, stirring well to combine.
5. Return the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Strain the cider through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher or heatproof container. Discard the solids, reserving the cinnamon sticks if desired for garnish.
7. To serve, pour the spiced apple cider into mugs or glasses, and garnish with a slice of lemon or lime, a cinnamon stick, and a few whole cloves.

Chef’s Insight

The secret to a perfect holiday spiced apple cider is using freshly pressed apple juice and allowing the flavors to develop and meld together during the simmering process.