Cranberry Spiced Cider

Introduction

History

Cranberry Spiced Cider has been a popular drink for centuries, especially during the fall and winter months. The combination of apple cider and cranberry juice has long been enjoyed for its sweet and tart flavors, while the addition of spices like cloves, allspice, cinnamon, and star anise adds a warm and aromatic touch to the drink.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use high-quality apple cider and cranberry juice for the best flavor.

- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste preferences.

- For a stronger spice flavor, let the mixture simmer for a longer period of time.

- Feel free to add a splash of rum or bourbon for an adult version of this drink.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cranberry Spiced Cider hot in mugs garnished with a cinnamon stick or orange slice.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering, boiling

Ingredient Substitutions

Use white sugar instead of brown sugar.

- Substitute apple juice for apple cider if needed.

- Use ground spices instead of whole spices if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Cranberry Spiced Cider can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cranberry Spiced Cider in festive mugs or glassware with a cinnamon stick or orange slice garnish.

Pairing Recommendations

This drink pairs well with holiday desserts like pumpkin pie or gingerbread cookies.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cranberry Spiced Cider in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cranberry Spiced Cider contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cranberry Spiced Cider contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This recipe is fat-free.

Proteins

There is no protein in this recipe.

Vitamins and minerals

Cranberry Spiced Cider is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants from the cranberry juice.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten.

Summary

Cranberry Spiced Cider is a low-calorie, fat-free beverage that is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Summary

Cranberry Spiced Cider is a delicious and warming drink that is perfect for the holiday season. With its blend of apple cider, cranberry juice, and spices, this beverage is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Cranberry Spiced Cider. It was a cold winter day, and I had just come home from a long day at work. As I flipped through an old cookbook that my mother had passed down to me, a splash of bright red caught my eye. Cranberries! I had always loved the tartness of cranberries and the warmth of spices, so I knew I had to try this recipe.

The recipe was handwritten on a yellowed piece of paper, tucked between the pages of the cookbook. It was simple yet intriguing – cranberries, orange zest, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and apple cider simmered together to create a deliciously warm and comforting drink. I could almost smell the sweet and spicy aroma just by reading the ingredients.

I had never made spiced cider before, but I was determined to give it a try. I gathered the ingredients, including a bag of fresh cranberries that I had picked up at the market earlier that day. As I started to prepare the cider, memories of my own childhood flooded back to me.

I grew up in a small town where my mother cooked and baked everything from scratch. She had a talent for creating delicious meals and treats out of simple ingredients. I remember spending hours in the kitchen with her, watching as she mixed, stirred, and baked her way to culinary perfection. It was in that kitchen that I learned the importance of patience, precision, and love when it came to cooking.

My mother had a knack for collecting recipes from friends, neighbors, and even strangers she met at the market. She would jot down notes on scraps of paper, carefully tucking them away in her recipe box for safekeeping. I inherited that same passion for collecting and trying new recipes, always on the lookout for new flavors and techniques to add to my culinary repertoire.

As the cider simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with a warm and comforting aroma, I thought about all the people who had shared their recipes with me over the years. From my mother's handwritten notes to the cookbooks I had collected over the decades, each recipe told a story of its own – a story of tradition, family, and love.

I stirred the cider gently, watching as the cranberries burst and released their vibrant red color into the mixture. The scent of cinnamon and cloves filled the air, mingling with the sweet tang of cranberries and citrus. I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

After letting the cider simmer for a while longer, I strained it into a mug and took a cautious sip. The flavors exploded on my tongue – tart cranberries, spicy cinnamon, and warm cloves danced together in perfect harmony. It was like a hug in a mug, a taste of comfort and joy that warmed me from the inside out.

As I sat by the fire, savoring my first sip of Cranberry Spiced Cider, I couldn't help but feel grateful for all the recipes I had collected over the years. Each one was a treasure, a connection to the past and a link to the future. And this recipe, in particular, would always hold a special place in my heart – a reminder of the day I discovered a new flavor, a new tradition, and a new memory to cherish for years to come.

Categories

| American Recipes | Cider Drink Recipes | Cranberry Juice Recipes | Cranberry Recipes |

Recipes with the same ingredients