Spiced Lemon Apple Cider
Warm up with a soul-soothing mug of Spiced Lemon Apple Cider, a fragrant blend that transforms classic apple cider into an elevated cozy beverage. Infused with bold cinnamon sticks, aromatic cloves, and star anise, this comforting drink is further brightened by the zest of fresh lemon juice and a hint of orange peel. Sweetened with rich brown sugar and balanced with a dash of nutmeg and vanilla extract, each sip offers layers of warming spice and citrusy brightness. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings, and can be garnished with fresh apple or lemon slices for a touch of elegance. Whether hosting for the holidays or simply curling up with a book, this hot apple cider recipe is your go-to for capturing the essence of fall and winter. Keywords: spiced apple cider, hot apple cider recipe, fall drinks, winter warmers, easy cider recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider
- 2 sticks cinnamon sticks
- 5 pieces whole cloves
- 2 pods star anise
- 1 whole fresh lemon
- 1 strip orange peel
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- fresh apple slices (optional, for garnish)
- fresh lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Pour the apple cider into a large saucepan or pot.
Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise to the cider.
Using a vegetable peeler, peel a strip of zest from an orange and add it to the pot.
Slice the lemon in half. Squeeze the juice of both halves into the pot, then drop the squeezed halves into the cider for extra flavor.
Stir in the brown sugar, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the cider to a gentle simmer. Do not allow it to boil.
Reduce the heat to low and let the cider simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Remove the pot from heat and strain the cider through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the spices, orange peel, and lemon halves.
Taste the cider and adjust sweetness if necessary by adding a bit more brown sugar.
Serve hot in mugs, garnished with fresh apple or lemon slices if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1152 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 5.0 g | 6% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.6 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 95 mg | 4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 282.0 g | 103% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.0 g | 46% | |
| Total Sugars | 229.8 g | ||
| Protein | 5.1 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 327 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 7.3 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 2432 mg | 52% | |
*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.
