Hot Buttered Cider with Ginger and Cinnamon

Hot Buttered Cider with Ginger and Cinnamon Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Hot Buttered Cider with Ginger and Cinnamon is a warm and comforting drink perfect for the fall and winter seasons. This delicious beverage is made with a blend of apple cider, orange juice, and warming spices like cloves, allspice, and cinnamon. The addition of sliced candied ginger adds a hint of sweetness and a touch of heat, while a pat of butter on top adds richness and creaminess.

History

Hot buttered cider has been enjoyed for centuries as a festive and warming drink during the colder months. The combination of apple cider and spices has long been a popular choice for holiday gatherings and cozy nights by the fire. Adding butter to the mix creates a luxurious and indulgent drink that is sure to please.

Ingredients

4 cups water
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tbsp whole cloves
3 tbsp whole allspice
2 sticks cinnamon
0.25 cup sliced candied or crystallized ginger
6 cups apple cider
2 cups orange juice
0.5 cup lemon juice (1 lemon)
1 stick butter, cut into thin slices
16 cinnamon sticks, for serving

How to prepare

In a large non-aluminum saucepan, mix together the water and sugar.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cloves, allspice, cinnamon, and ginger.
Allow the mixture to stand for 1 hour or longer.
Strain the mixture into a bowl and return it to the saucepan.
Stir in the apple cider, orange juice, and lemon juice.
Serve the punch in mugs, topped with a slice of butter and a cinnamon stick.
Note: If desired, the punch can be prepared several hours ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Variations

For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of ground ginger to the spice mixture.
Substitute maple syrup or honey for the granulated sugar for a different flavor profile.
Add a splash of rum or bourbon for an adult version of this drink.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a non-aluminum saucepan when making this recipe, as the acidity of the cider and citrus juices can react with aluminum and affect the flavor of the drink.

- Letting the spice mixture stand for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld together and infuse the liquid with their aromatic qualities.

- For a richer and creamier drink, use unsalted butter and allow it to melt slowly on top of the hot cider before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hot Buttered Cider with Ginger and Cinnamon in mugs topped with a slice of butter and a cinnamon stick for a festive touch. Pair it with your favorite holiday treats or enjoy it on its own as a comforting drink.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the sugar and water mixture to dissolve the sugar completely before adding the spices.

- Letting the spice mixture stand for at least an hour allows the flavors to infuse the liquid and create a more aromatic drink.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have whole cloves or allspice, you can use ground versions instead. Use about half the amount called for in the recipe.

- Fresh ginger can be used in place of candied or crystallized ginger. Simply peel and slice a small piece of fresh ginger to add to the mixture.

Make Ahead Tips

Hot Buttered Cider with Ginger and Cinnamon can be prepared several hours ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store the mixture in the refrigerator until ready to serve, then heat it gently on the stove before adding the butter and cinnamon sticks.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Hot Buttered Cider with Ginger and Cinnamon in festive mugs or glassware for a special touch. Garnish each mug with a cinnamon stick for stirring and a slice of butter for added richness.

Pairing Recommendations

Hot Buttered Cider with Ginger and Cinnamon pairs well with a variety of holiday treats, such as gingerbread cookies, pumpkin pie, or spiced nuts. It also complements savory dishes like roasted turkey or ham.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Hot Buttered Cider with Ginger and Cinnamon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the mixture gently on the stove before serving, adding a pat of butter and a cinnamon stick to each mug.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hot Buttered Cider with Ginger and Cinnamon contains approximately 150 calories. This warming drink is a comforting treat that can be enjoyed in moderation.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hot Buttered Cider with Ginger and Cinnamon contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for fueling daily activities.

Fats

Each serving of Hot Buttered Cider with Ginger and Cinnamon contains approximately 5 grams of fat. The butter adds richness and flavor to the drink, making it a satisfying treat.

Proteins

Each serving of Hot Buttered Cider with Ginger and Cinnamon contains minimal protein, with less than 1 gram per serving. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Hot Buttered Cider with Ginger and Cinnamon is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the addition of orange juice and lemon juice. Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system and can help protect against colds and flu.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. Be sure to check for any other allergens in the ingredients used.

Summary

Hot Buttered Cider with Ginger and Cinnamon is a delicious and warming drink that is perfect for the fall and winter seasons. It is rich in carbohydrates and fats, making it a satisfying treat to enjoy on a cold day. The addition of vitamin C from the citrus juices adds a healthy boost to this indulgent beverage.

Summary

Hot Buttered Cider with Ginger and Cinnamon is a delicious and warming drink that is perfect for the fall and winter seasons. This comforting beverage is made with a blend of apple cider, orange juice, and warming spices, with a touch of sweetness from candied ginger. Serve it in mugs topped with a slice of butter and a cinnamon stick for a festive and indulgent treat. Enjoy this rich and flavorful drink with your favorite holiday treats or on its own for a cozy night in.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Hot Buttered Cider with Ginger and Cinnamon. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were ablaze with vibrant hues of red and orange, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of apples. I had just returned home from a visit to my dear friend Martha, who had served me a steaming mug of this delightful concoction.

As I sat by the fire, savoring the warm, spicy cider, Martha told me the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her grandmother, who had in turn learned it from her own mother. The recipe had been passed down through the generations, each woman adding her own touch to make it uniquely her own.

I was captivated by the idea of a recipe with such a rich history, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. So, I asked Martha if she would be kind enough to share the recipe with me. She smiled and handed me a worn, stained piece of paper, covered in elegant script. This was the recipe for Hot Buttered Cider with Ginger and Cinnamon.

I studied the recipe carefully, taking note of each ingredient and step. It called for apple cider, fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a generous dollop of butter. The spices would infuse the cider with a warm, comforting flavor, perfect for chilly autumn evenings.

I set to work in my kitchen, gathering the ingredients and following the instructions on the recipe. As the cider simmered on the stove, the warm, spicy aroma filled the room, bringing back memories of crisp fall days spent apple picking with my family.

When the cider was ready, I poured it into mugs and added a pat of butter to each, as the recipe instructed. The butter melted into the hot liquid, creating a rich, velvety texture that coated the tongue with each sip.

I took a cautious sip, unsure of what to expect. But as soon as the cider touched my lips, I knew I had discovered something truly special. The warm, spicy flavors danced on my palate, mingling with the sweetness of the apples and the richness of the butter. It was like a hug in a mug, the perfect antidote to a chilly autumn day.

I shared the cider with my family, watching as their faces lit up with delight at the first taste. They all agreed that it was a recipe worth keeping, one that would surely become a staple in our home during the fall and winter months.

Over the years, I have made Hot Buttered Cider with Ginger and Cinnamon countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of this special drink to a new generation.

As I sit by the fire on another crisp autumn evening, sipping a mug of Hot Buttered Cider with Ginger and Cinnamon, I am filled with gratitude for the recipe that has brought so much joy and warmth into my life. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, to bring us together in a shared love of good food and good company.

And so, I will continue to make this cider for years to come, passing on the recipe to my grandchildren and great-grandchildren, so that they too can experience the wonder and delight of this timeless drink.