Warm Spiced Apple Cider with Cinnamon Sticks

This holiday beverage recipe brings warmth and nostalgia to your Thanksgiving feast with its blend of spices, cinnamon sticks, and sweet apple flavor. Perfect for entertaining guests or sipping by the fireplace, this simple yet delicious drink is sure to become a cherished family tradition.

Time: Prep time - 10 minutes | Cook time - 30 minutes | Total time - 40 minutes

Servings: Makes 8 servings (each serving is approximately 2 cups)

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American, Traditional

Allergens

This recipe contains nuts (ground nutmeg). To make it allergen-friendly, substitute ground allspice for the nutmeg.

Ingredients

1 gallon (4 liters) apple juice
2 cups (480 ml) water
1 cup (200 grams) packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
4 whole cinnamon sticks, for garnish
8 apple slices, for garnish (optional)
Freshly whipped cream or marshmallows, for serving (optional)

Instructions

In a large stockpot or slow cooker, combine the apple juice, water, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and combine the spices evenly.
Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a simmer. Do not boil. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the cider gently simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
After 30 minutes, taste the cider and adjust the spices if needed. The cider should be slightly sweet with a warm, comforting aroma of spices.
Just before serving, ladle the warm spiced apple cider into individual mugs or glass tumblers. For added visual appeal, garnish each mug with a cinnamon stick and an apple slice, if desired.
Serve the cider hot, and offer freshly whipped cream or marshmallows on the side for those who wish to add a touch of creaminess to their beverage.

Chef’s Insight

To enhance the aroma and flavor of the cider, add a few dashes of ground cardamom or a pinch of ground ginger to the simmering mixture.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the sweetness and spiciness of the cider according to your taste preferences. The key is to ensure that the flavors meld together harmoniously, creating a warm and inviting beverage for all to enjoy during the holiday season.

Substitutions

You can replace brown sugar with white sugar or honey for a different sweetness profile. For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit any additional ingredients that may include alcohol.

Alternative Preparations

For an adult variation, consider adding 1 cup (240 ml) of bourbon or brandy to the cider after it has simmered for 30 minutes. Be sure to stir well and taste before serving to ensure the desired flavor balance is achieved.

Alternative Methods

Instead of using a slow cooker, you can also use an instant pot set to the "warm" setting or a crockpot on low heat to keep the cider warm while it simmers.

Best Storage Practice

Store any leftover apple cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat gently before serving again.

Shelf Life

Apple juice typically has a shelf life of several months when unopened and stored properly. Once opened, it can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Plating Tips

Serve the cider in warm mugs or glasses that showcase the vibrant color of the drink. Use an apple corer to create uniform slices for garnish, if desired.

Nutrition Facts