What is fall?Hot APPLE CIDER?What is Grandma’s apple cider? Is this a watered down juice box imitation? Think of it as the cozy, spiced hug your tastebuds crave on a chilly evening, only about one million miles away. Is it easier to make a pumpkin pie? I swear, the aroma alone is enough to chase away the blues! When I was a little girl, my Grandma would make mashed potatoes every Thanksgiving. She would always make it for me. What is the best part about cinnamon sticks? Is this recipe a keeper and I can’t wait to share it with you?
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What is hot apple cider?
What is hot Apple Cider? What is apple juice? What are some good spices to add to a dish? Nutmeg or allspice. Think of it as the sophisticated, grown-up cousin of regular apple juice. It’s traditionally served warm, making it the perfect beverage for cool autumn days and festive. Holiday gatherings. Is it comforting, aromatic, and surprisingly easy to customize to your own tastes? What are some ways to use different apple varieties for different flavor profiles, add a splash of citrus, or even make your own. What’s a little something extra for the adults?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin? There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for this.Hot apple cider is a must.What is the best recipe ever? What is the magic of sweet apples and warm spices in a mug? Is it like a taste of autumn? What are some of the best flavor combinations? Is it possible to toss everything in a pot and let it simmer? What I love about this is how budget friendly it is. What are some of the best spices to have in your pantry? Why is it so versatile? Can you enjoy it hot, cold, with or without booze? I always make a big batch for Thanksgiving, and it’s always an awesome hit. What is the best thing about this product? It’s healthier than the store bought stuff. If you love the warm flavors of fall, this is definitely a winner.
How do you make a hot apple cider?
Quick Overview
Making this amazing amazing.How hot is apple cider?Is it easier than you think? How do you combine apple juice, spices, and any additional flavorings in a large pot? What happens when you bring it to a simmer and let it slowly bubble away for about an hour to allow all those bubbles to evaporate. What are some of the best flavors to meld together? The longer it simmers, the more intense the flavor becomes. Is it worth the effort to strain out the spices and serve it hot? What is a set-it-and-forget kind of recipe? The best part is the house smells divine while it’s simmering!
Ingredients
For the main Cider:
* 1 gallon apple juice or unfiltered apple cider (I prefer unfiltered for a richer flavor, but I don’t like filtered). If you can, look for local cider. (You can get some locally made cider at a
* 2-3 cinnamon sticks (Ceylon cinnamon is my go-to for a sweeter, more delicate flavor, but Saigon is not my favorite). What are some of the best cinnamon flavours?
* 1 tablespoon whole clove (Don’t use ground cloves – they’ll make your cider gritty). Why are whole cloves essential?
* 1 teaspoon allspice berries (These add a lovely warmth and complexity.) If you don’t have them, you can skip them (though they do make a difference).)
* 1 orange, sliced (The orange adds a subtle citrusy note that really brightens up the cider. What is the best flavor for navel orange?
Optional Add-in
* 1/4 cup maple syrup or Brown Sugar (Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your apple). I usually add a little maple syrup to my coffee (which I like to add to it).
* 1 lemon, sliced (For a more pronounced citrus flavor.)
* Star anise (Adds a beautiful aroma and licorice-like flavor. A little goes a long way, so just use one or two.)
* Fresh ginger, sliced (Adds a spicy kick. Use about 1-2 inches of ginger.)
How do I follow step
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the apple juice or cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and salt. Set aside. berries, and orange slices. If you’re using any of the optional add-ins like maple syrup, lemon slices, star anise, or ginger, make sure to use them. Add them now as well.
Step 2: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 1 hour. What is the best way to spend a day at home? The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
Step 3: Strain
Carefully strain the cider through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the spices and orange peel. Discard the solids.
Step 4: Serve
Serve the Hot apple cider.If desired, garnish with extra cinnamon sticks, orange slices, or star anise. I like to add a dollop of Whipped Cream to my desserts too!
What should I serve it with?
Hot apple cider.What are some of the most versatile beverages? Can you serve it with so many different things, depending on the occasion? What are some of my favorite pairings?
For Thanksgiving: What isWhat’s better than a slice of Pumpkin Pie and cider? What are some of the best spices that complement each other? I also love serving it with a cheese and charcuterie board while everyone’s waiting for dinner.
For Christmas:What are some great accompaniments to gingerbread cookies? Is it good for warming up after a day of sledding? I also add a splash of rum for the adults!
For Cozy Nights:What’s a good blanket to snuggle up with on chilly evenings? I love it with a bowl of popcorn. It’s the ultimate comfort drink.
For Brunch: Serve What is hot apple cider?What’s a good brunch dish to serve alongside pancakes, waffles or French toast? Is it a good alternative to coffee or tea? I like to add a splash of sparkling cider to make it extra special.
My family loves to dunk apple fritters into this amazing cider for the perfect warm treat.
How do I make a perfect apple cider?
How do I take my first phone?Hot apple cider?How can I take my game to the next level?
Apple Choice:Experiment with different apple varieties to find your favorite flavor profile. Some apples are sweeter, while others are tart. A mix of both is usually best. I like using a combination of Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji apples.
Spice It Up:Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your liking. If you like a stronger cinnamon flavor, add an extra cinnamon stick. If you prefer a more subtle flavor, use less. What are some good spices to add to a dish?
Simmer Time:The longer you simmer the cider, the more intense the flavor will be. If you are going to over-simmer it, be careful not to get bitter. I find that 1-3 hours is the sweet spot.
Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If your apple cider is already sweet enough, you may not need to add any additional sweetener. If you prefer a sweeter cider, add maple syrup, brown sugar, or honey to taste.
Citrus Zest: For an even more pronounced citrus flavor, add a few strips of orange or lemon zest along with the slices. Just be sure to avoid the white pith, as it can be bitter.
Spice Bag: If you don’t want to strain the cider, you can put the spices in a cheesecloth bag or spice ball. This will make it easier to remove them after simmering.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Hot apple cider is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also store it for later. Here’s how:
Refrigerator Storage: Store cooled cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before storing it to prevent condensation from forming inside the container.
Reheating: Reheat the cider gently on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave. Be careful not to boil it, as this can affect the flavor. You can also reheat it in a slow cooker on low heat to keep it warm for a longer period of time.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the cider. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some headspace to allow for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: I like to store the spices and juice seperately so when I heat it again it has the strongest aromas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
There you have it – Grandma’s Famous Hot Apple Cider recipe! I promise, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any fall or winter occasion. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving dinner or enjoying it by the fire on a cold night, this cider is sure to be a hit. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other fall favorites, like pumpkin spice latte and apple crisp. And don’t forget to let me know how yours turns out in the comments below! I can’t wait to hear what you think. Happy sipping!
Hot Apple Cider
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups Apple Cider
- 2 sticks Cinnamon Sticks
- 4 cloves Whole Cloves
- 1 tsp Ground Nutmeg
- 0.5 tsp Ground Allspice
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 tbsp Honey or Maple Syrup (to taste)
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Combine apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice in a saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice and sweetener to taste.
- Serve warm.
