This Hot Apple Cider Recipe Will Make Your Fall Days As Cosy As Can Be

I love hot apple cider; each sip reminds me of crips fall days spent apple picking or visiting the pumpkin patch. And up until now, I've always fallen back on Trader Joe's pre-made apple cider, where all I have to do is pop it in the microwave for a minute or two. But after a quick recipe search, I realised brewing a pot of hot apple cider is a lot easier than I thought. And after making a batch myself, I've realised three things: it's so delicious, it requires minimal effort, and it makes the house smell amazing.

Essentially a two-step recipe, all you'll need is apple cider, maple syrup, orange and lemon peels, and spices such as cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, and whole cloves. Just one very important note for when you're making your apple cider: you want it hot, not boiling! If you hate burning your tongue, I recommend letting your mug cool for a few minutes before taking a sip.

Keep reading for the full recipe below, and if you're feeling extra bold, add a shot of liquor like bourbon.

Hot Apple Cider

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Notes

You can substitute a cheesecloth with a stovetop-safe strainer.

Ingredients

1. 6 cups apple cider
   1/4 cup maple syrup
   2 cinnamon sticks
   6 whole cloves
   6 berry whole allspice berries
   1 orange peel, cut into strips
   1 lemon peel, cut into strips

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, pour in your apple cider and maple syrup. Give a light stir.
2. Place the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, and orange and lemon peels in a cheesecloth; fold up the sides to enclose the bundle. Then, tie it up with kitchen string and drop the spice bundle into the cider mixture.
3. Set the saucepan over moderate heat for 5-10 minutes, or until the cider is very hot but not boiling.
4. Remove hot apple cider from heat. Discard the spice bundle. Ladle the cider into mugs, adding a fresh cinnamon stick and lemon or orange peels to each serving if desired. Enjoy!

Information

Category

Drinks

Yield

6 servings

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

7 minutes

Total Time

11 minutes, 59 seconds