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Spiced Apple Cider

This warm, fragrant beverage is made by gently simmering apple cider infused with cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and orange zest. The spices create a clear, aromatic brew with a cozy texture, perfect for chilly nights or relaxing weekends, optionally topped with a splash of bourbon for added warmth.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups apple cider preferably unfiltered for richer flavor
  • 2 sticks cinnamon whole cinnamon sticks
  • 2 stars star anise whole star anise
  • 4 cloves cloves whole cloves
  • 1 orange orange zest zest from one orange, microplaned
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup adjust to taste
  • optional bourbon or rum for a boozy twist

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • Fine Mesh Sieve
  • Measuring spoons
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Pour the apple cider into a heavy-bottomed saucepan and place it over medium-low heat.
  2. Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and orange zest to the cider. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Warm the mixture slowly, allowing it to simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes until fragrant, with tiny bubbles beginning to form around the edges.
  4. Stir in the honey or maple syrup, tasting and adjusting sweetness if desired. Continue to heat just until the sweetener dissolves.
  5. Remove the saucepan from heat. Use a fine-mesh sieve to strain out the spice solids, pouring the clear, aromatic cider into a serving container.
  6. Pour the hot spiced cider into mugs, garnishing with an extra cinnamon stick or a thin slice of orange if desired. For an adult version, add a splash of bourbon or rum.

Notes

Perfect for cozy evenings, this cider can be kept warm on the stove or served immediately. Adjust the spice quantities to suit your taste for a milder or more intense flavor.