Description
Warm up with this comforting Hot Spiced Apple Cider made without any added sugar. Infused with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and fresh orange peel, this cozy drink is perfect for chilly days, serving as a delightful non-alcoholic beverage or a base for a boozy hot toddy.
Ingredients
Spiced Apple Cider Ingredients
- 1 quart unsweetened apple juice or cider
- 3 cinnamon sticks (3-inch each)
- 2 whole cloves (or 1 tiny pinch ground cloves)
- 2 strips orange peel (3-inch each, organic recommended, orange part only)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the unsweetened apple juice or cider into a large saucepan or pot. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and orange peel strips to the pot.
- Simmer and Infuse: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook gently for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot spiced cider into mugs and serve immediately. Optionally, add a dash of bourbon for a warm, boozy hot toddy. For gatherings, keep the cider warm in a slow cooker or on the lowest heat setting on the stovetop.
- Storage: After cooling, store any leftover cider covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze cider in ice cube trays and reheat on the stovetop as needed.
Notes
- Use unsweetened apple juice or cider to keep the recipe free from added sugars.
- Only use the orange peel’s colored part to prevent bitterness from the white pith.
- Whole cloves can be substituted with a small pinch of ground cloves if needed.
- To make a cocktail, add bourbon just before serving.
- Keep leftover cider warm in a slow cooker for convenience during parties.
- Frozen cider cubes can be used later to add flavor to beverages.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American