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Spiced Cranberry Apple Cider Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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