Apple Cider
Spiced warm apple cider is the perfect drink to make when the weather begins to cool.
Servings: 12
Calories: 179kcal
Ingredients
- 12 medium-size apples, 2 to 3 different varieties, cored and quartered
- 2 whole oranges, quartered
- 5 to 6 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole star anise
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon whole allspice
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 gallon water
Instructions
- Using an extra-large stockpot (I used a 12-quart stockpot), over high heat, add in the cored and quartered apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, whole allspice, sugars, and water. Stir to mix.
- Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the temperature to medium-low, and let it simmer for 1 ½ hours. Stir the mixture occasionally.
- After the apples and orange mixture has been cooking for 1 ½ hours, using a potato masher, carefully mash the apples and oranges to help release more of their juices. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes.
- Remove the stockpot from the heat. Carefully ladle the cider through a fine-mesh sieve to remove large pieces of apple skin, orange rind, and whole spices.
- Once the cider has been filtered, you can return the cider to the stovetop to keep warm before you are ready to serve.
Notes
- Adding a little citrus balances out the apple flavor and pairs wonderfully with the spices.
- If you don’t have an extra-large stockpot, you can split the ingredients equally across two smaller stock pots or Dutch oven-sized pots. You don’t want your cider spilling over when it is boiling and simmering.
- Always remember to thoroughly wash and rinse the apples and oranges before coring and quartering.
Nutrition
Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 22mg | Potassium: 266mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 156IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 1mg