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Hot Spiced Apple Cider

This hot apple cider is made by simmering apple juice with a mixture of spices and citrus, creating a fragrant and warming beverage. The process involves gentle heating until the flavors meld and the cider is steaming and aromatic, with a clear, inviting appearance that hints at cozy warmth.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: comfort food
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups apple juice or cider preferably unfiltered for more flavor
  • 2 cinnamon sticks cinnamon sticks
  • 3 whole cloves whole cloves
  • 1 orange orange sliced into rounds
  • 1 vanilla bean vanilla bean split lengthwise, optional

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Fine mesh strainer

Method
 

  1. Pour the apple juice into a large saucepan and set over medium heat.
  2. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, orange slices, and vanilla bean to the juice.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, just enough for small bubbles to form around the edge of the pan.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the house to fill with warm, spiced aromas.
  5. Turn off the heat and carefully strain the cider through a fine mesh strainer to remove the spices and citrus slices.
  6. Pour the spiced hot cider into mugs, ensuring each is filled with a clear, fragrant liquid showcasing the warm amber color.

Notes

You can customize this recipe by adding a splash of bourbon for an adult twist or sweeten with honey if desired. For a more intense spice flavor, let the mixture steep longer before straining.