Spiced Cranberry Apple Cider Recipe

Introduction

Spiced Cranberry Apple Cider is a cozy, flavorful drink perfect for chilly days or festive gatherings. This warm beverage combines tart cranberry juice with sweet apple cider and warming spices for a comforting seasonal treat.

Ingredients

• 4 cups apple cider
• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 orange, sliced
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 5 whole cloves
• 5 whole allspice berries
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine the apple cider and cranberry juice.
2. Step 2: Stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves completely.
3. Step 3: Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, nutmeg, and ginger to the pot.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the spices to infuse the cider.
6. Step 6: Strain the mixture to remove the spices and orange slices before serving.
7. Step 7: Serve warm and enjoy your spiced cranberry apple cider!

Tips & Variations

• For extra warmth, add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum when serving.
• Use fresh cranberries along with juice for a more tart and natural flavor.
• Adjust the brown sugar amount based on your preferred sweetness.
• If you don’t have whole spices, use 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground cloves and allspice instead.

Storage

Store leftover cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. Avoid boiling after reheating to preserve the flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cider ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cider a day in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat gently before serving to enjoy the full flavor.

Can I use fresh apple juice instead of apple cider?

Yes, fresh apple juice works well, but apple cider typically has a richer, spiced flavor that enhances the drink.

Spiced Cranberry Apple Cider Recipe

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4.8 from 549 reviews

A warm and comforting Spiced Cranberry Apple Cider that perfectly blends the tartness of cranberry juice with the sweetness of apple cider, infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This cozy drink is ideal for chilly days or festive gatherings.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Liquids

• 4 cups apple cider
• 2 cups cranberry juice

Sweetener

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Fruits & Spices

• 1 orange, sliced
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 5 whole cloves
• 5 whole allspice berries
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger

Instructions

1. Combine Liquids: In a large pot, pour in 4 cups of apple cider and 2 cups of cranberry juice, mixing them together as the base of the cider.
2. Add Sweetener: Stir in 1/2 cup of brown sugar thoroughly until it completely dissolves, ensuring a balanced sweetness throughout the drink.
3. Add Aromatics and Spices: Add the sliced orange, 4 cinnamon sticks, 5 whole cloves, 5 whole allspice berries, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of ginger to the pot for deep flavor infusion.
4. Heat to Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing the flavors to begin melding.
5. Simmer and Infuse: Reduce the heat to low and let the cider simmer for at least 20 minutes, permitting the spices and citrus to fully infuse and develop complexity.
6. Strain Mixture: Carefully strain the cider into a serving container to remove the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and other spices for a smooth drink.
7. Serve Warm: Pour into mugs or heatproof glasses and enjoy the spiced cider warm, perfect for cozy occasions.

Notes

• Adjust the brown sugar quantity to taste for desired sweetness.
• For a stronger spice flavor, allow the cider to simmer longer up to 30 minutes.
• This cider can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
• Optional: Garnish with a cinnamon stick or an orange slice for presentation.
• Can be made alcohol-free or spiked with rum or bourbon if preferred.

Keywords: spiced cider, cranberry apple cider, warm drink, autumn beverage, holiday drink, cinnamon cider, non-alcoholic cider, fall recipe