Hearthside Cider
Warm your soul this season with Hearthside Cider, a spiced and aromatic drink that’s perfect for cozy gatherings or relaxing by the fire. This festive homemade cider combines the sweetness of apple cider with the tangy zest of fresh orange slices, infused with warming spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and a hint of ginger. Brown sugar and vanilla extract add depth to the flavor, while a touch of nutmeg brings a comforting finish. Easily prepared on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, this versatile recipe is ready in just 30 minutes and offers an optional adult twist with a splash of dark rum or bourbon. Serve it in a mug, garnished with a cinnamon stick or orange slice, for a truly comforting and seasonal treat. Perfect for holiday parties, fall evenings, or any cozy moment, Hearthside Cider is the ultimate drink to savor the warmth of the season.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider
- 1 large orange
- 3 sticks cinnamon sticks
- 6 pieces whole cloves
- 2 pieces star anise
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ounces per serving optional dark rum or bourbon
Instructions
Pour the apple cider into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or slow cooker.
Wash the orange thoroughly, then slice it into thin rounds. Add the orange slices to the pot.
Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and nutmeg to the cider.
Peel the fresh ginger and slice it into coins or thin strips. Add the ginger to the pot.
Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract to sweeten and enhance the cider's flavor.
Place the pot over medium-low heat and gently simmer the cider for 30 minutes. If using a slow cooker, set it to low and heat for 2-3 hours.
Periodically stir the cider to ensure the spices are well-dispersed, but avoid letting it come to a full boil to preserve the flavors.
Once the cider is fragrant and thoroughly heated, use a slotted spoon to remove the orange slices, ginger, and whole spices.
Ladle the warm cider into mugs. If desired, add 2 ounces of dark rum or bourbon to each serving for an adult twist.
Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick or a slice of orange, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
220 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.8 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 17 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 48.6 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 39.0 g | ||
| Protein | 0.8 g | 2% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 65 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 0.8 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 433 mg | 9% | |
*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.
