Happy Holiday Cider
Cozy up this season with Happy Holiday Cider, a heartwarming and aromatic drink that's perfect for festive gatherings or quiet winter nights. Made with fresh apple cider, fragrant spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cloves, and a hint of vanilla, this recipe combines classic flavors for the ultimate holiday experience. An orange sliced with studded cloves infuses the cider with zesty, citrusy warmth, while fresh ginger adds a gentle kick. Sweetened with brown sugar and customizable with a splash of dark rum or bourbon, this cider is as versatile as it is delicious. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s served warm and can be garnished with apple slices or a cinnamon stick for an inviting presentation. Whether you're entertaining guests or savoring a moment of seasonal bliss, this mulled cider is the ideal beverage to spread holiday cheer.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider
- 1 orange
- 10 whole cloves
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ounces optional dark rum or bourbon
- for garnish optional apple slices
Instructions
Pour the apple cider into a large saucepan or pot and place it over medium heat.
Thoroughly wash the orange and slice it into thin rounds. Push the whole cloves into the orange slices, distributing them evenly across the slices.
Add the clove-studded orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and ginger piece to the pot with the cider.
Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract until dissolved.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
If using, add the optional dark rum or bourbon to the pot and stir well. Taste the cider and adjust sweetness if necessary by adding more brown sugar to suit your preference.
Remove the pot from heat and strain the cider into a heatproof pitcher or individual mugs to remove the solids.
Garnish with apple slices or an additional cinnamon stick before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
228 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1.2 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 20 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50.3 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 38.8 g | ||
| Protein | 0.8 g | 2% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 106 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 460 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
