Spiced Cider Warm Drink (Print)
A fragrant apple cider infused with warming spices and citrus, perfect for colder weather.
# What You Need:
→ Cider
01 - 6 cups unfiltered apple cider
→ Spices
02 - 2 cinnamon sticks
03 - 6 whole cloves
04 - 4 whole allspice berries
05 - 1 star anise (optional)
06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
→ Citrus
07 - 1 orange, sliced
08 - 1 lemon, sliced (optional)
→ Sweetener
09 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup, to taste (optional)
# How to Make:
01 - Pour apple cider into a large saucepan and add cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, star anise if using, and freshly grated nutmeg.
02 - Incorporate the orange and optional lemon slices into the pot with the cider and spices.
03 - Place the saucepan over medium heat, bringing the mixture just to a simmer without boiling.
04 - Reduce heat to low and allow the cider to gently simmer for 15 to 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
05 - Taste and add brown sugar or maple syrup as preferred, stirring until fully dissolved.
06 - Strain out spices and citrus slices using a fine sieve or slotted spoon; serve warm in mugs, optionally garnished with cinnamon sticks or orange slices.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It fills your kitchen with a scent so welcoming that people will ask what you're making before they even see the mug.
- You can make a big batch, leave it on low heat, and let guests serve themselves throughout the afternoon.
- There's almost no way to mess it up—the cider does most of the work while you relax.
02 -
- Never let the cider boil hard—the high heat can turn the spices sharp and bitter, and you lose some of the delicate apple flavor to steam.
- Taste before you sweeten; most ciders are already sweet enough, and adding sugar can make the drink cloying instead of comforting.
03 -
- Bruise the cinnamon sticks slightly before adding them—a quick crack with the back of a spoon releases more flavor without breaking them into pieces that float around.
- Keep the heat low enough that the cider barely moves in the pot; a rolling boil will steal the delicate notes and leave you with just spice.