Hot Spiced Cider

Hot Spiced Cider Recipe - USA | Apple Juice, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Lemon, Orange, Cloves, Allspice

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Hot spiced cider is a delicious and comforting drink that is perfect for the fall and winter months. This warm and flavorful beverage is made with a combination of cider, brown sugar, spices, and citrus fruits. It is a popular drink to serve at holiday gatherings, parties, or simply to enjoy on a cold day.

History

Hot spiced cider has been enjoyed for centuries, with variations of the recipe appearing in different cultures around the world. The combination of cider, spices, and fruits has long been used to create a warming and aromatic drink that is perfect for cold weather. In the United States, hot spiced cider is a popular drink during the holiday season and is often served at Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings.

Ingredients

1 gallon of apple juice or cider
0.5 cup of packed brown sugar
2 sticks of cinnamon
1 lemon, washed and sliced
1 orange, washed and sliced
1 tbsp of whole cloves
1 tbsp of whole allspice

How to prepare

Combine the cider, fruit, and brown sugar in a large pan.
Tie the cinnamon, allspice, and cloves in a cheesecloth spice bag.
Place the spice bag in the cider mixture.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Serve the hot mixture.

Variations

Add a splash of rum or bourbon for an alcoholic version of this recipe.
Use different spices such as nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
Experiment with different citrus fruits such as grapefruit or lime for a twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh cider for the best flavor. Avoid using cider that has been pasteurized or contains preservatives.

- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less sugar depending on how sweet you like your cider.

- For a stronger spice flavor, you can crush the spices slightly before adding them to the cider mixture.

- To make a non-alcoholic version of this recipe, simply omit the alcohol and increase the amount of cider.

Serving Suggestions

Hot spiced cider can be served hot in mugs or glasses, garnished with a cinnamon stick or slice of orange. It pairs well with holiday desserts such as apple pie, pumpkin pie, or gingerbread cookies.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the cider mixture allows the flavors of the spices and fruits to infuse into the liquid, creating a rich and aromatic drink.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use apple juice instead of cider if you prefer a sweeter and lighter flavor.

- Substitute honey or maple syrup for the brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cider mixture ahead of time and reheat it before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the hot spiced cider in a large punch bowl with a ladle for guests to serve themselves. - Garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Hot spiced cider pairs well with savory dishes such as roasted turkey, ham, or stuffing. It also complements sweet treats like cookies, cakes, or pies.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

120

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 30g

- Dietary Fiber: 1g

- Sugars: 25g

Fats

- Total Fat: 0g

- Saturated Fat: 0g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 0g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 20% DV

- Calcium: 2% DV

- Iron: 4% DV

Alergens

This recipe may contain allergens such as citrus fruits and spices. Please check for any specific allergies before consuming.

Summary

Hot spiced cider is a low-fat and low-protein beverage that is high in carbohydrates and sugars. It is a good source of vitamin C and provides a small amount of dietary fiber.

Summary

Hot spiced cider is a delicious and warming drink that is perfect for the fall and winter months. This flavorful beverage is made with a combination of cider, brown sugar, spices, and citrus fruits. It is a popular drink to serve at holiday gatherings or simply to enjoy on a cold day.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Hot Spiced Cider in an old, dusty cookbook tucked away in the attic. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had been searching for something warm and comforting to make for my family. As I flipped through the pages of the book, the words jumped out at me: "Hot Spiced Cider – a delicious and aromatic drink to warm the soul on a cold day."

I had never made Hot Spiced Cider before, but the ingredients were simple enough – apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a touch of orange zest. I decided to give it a try, eager to see how this concoction would turn out.

As I gathered the ingredients and began to simmer them on the stove, the scent that filled the kitchen was simply intoxicating. The warm, spicy aroma of cinnamon and cloves mingled with the sweet fragrance of apples, creating a sensory experience that was truly enchanting.

As the cider bubbled away on the stove, I couldn't help but think back to how I had come to learn this recipe. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My grandmother, a skilled cook and baker, would often regale me with tales of her culinary adventures.

One day, she invited me into the kitchen to help her make Hot Spiced Cider for a gathering of friends and family. I watched in awe as she expertly measured out the ingredients, explaining each step of the process in detail. I was mesmerized by the way she effortlessly combined spices and flavors to create something truly magical.

As the cider simmered on the stove, my grandmother shared with me the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from an old friend who had traveled to distant lands and brought back with her a wealth of knowledge about exotic spices and ingredients. The recipe for Hot Spiced Cider had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own unique twist to make it their own.

I remember how my grandmother's eyes sparkled with delight as she recounted the memories of making this drink for special occasions and holidays. She spoke of how the aroma of the cider would waft through the house, drawing everyone in with its irresistible scent.

As I stirred the pot of cider on the stove, I felt a sense of connection to my grandmother and all the women who had come before her. I could almost hear their voices whispering words of encouragement and guidance as I followed in their footsteps, carrying on the tradition of making Hot Spiced Cider.

When the cider was finally ready, I poured it into mugs and garnished each one with a cinnamon stick and a slice of orange. The first sip was like a taste of heaven – warm, spicy, and comforting in every way. I knew then that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire, a reminder of the love and tradition that had been passed down through the generations.

And so, as I sit here now, sipping on a mug of Hot Spiced Cider, I am filled with gratitude for the women who came before me and shared their knowledge and wisdom. I am reminded that food is not just sustenance – it is a connection to our past, a way to honor the traditions and memories of those who have gone before us.

So the next time you find yourself craving something warm and comforting on a cold day, why not give this recipe for Hot Spiced Cider a try? I can promise you that it will not only warm your belly but also your heart, as you savor the flavors and memories of generations past.