Spiced Apple Cider With Orange & Cinnamon Sticks – Warm and Delicous!

This cozy spiced apple cider with orange & cinnamon warms both home and heart!

Simply combine a gallon of apple cider, a cup of orange juice, sliced oranges, five cinnamon sticks and a tablespoon of whole cloves in a large pot.

Simmer on low for 2-3 hours (don’t boil!) for maximum flavor infusion.

The aroma will transform any home while the cider warms the soul.

Studding the orange slices with cloves creates an extra flavor boost and makes serving easier.

There’s nothing like this seasonal treat on a chilly day!

Ingredients

• Apple cider
• Orange juice
• Orange
• Cinnamon sticks
• Whole cloves
• Star anise (optional)
• Allspice (optional)
• Cranberries (optional)

Recommended Tools

Having the right kitchen tools on hand makes preparing spiced apple cider so much easier and more enjoyable. These essential items will help you simmer, strain and serve this cozy autumn drink with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

• Large Pot:
  

  A spacious pot is essential for simmering a full gallon of apple cider with all the aromatic ingredients.

• Citrus Juicer:
  

  Makes squeezing fresh orange juice quick and easy while keeping seeds out of your cider.

• Sharp Knife:
  

  Necessary for slicing oranges into attractive rounds that release their flavor into the cider.

• Fine Mesh Strainer:
  

  Perfect for removing the whole spices and orange slices before serving your cider.

• Ladle:
  

  Makes serving hot cider from pot to mug clean and splash-free, especially when hosting a crowd.

• Insulated Serving Pitcher:
  

  Keeps your cider warm longer when serving at gatherings or for continued enjoyment throughout the evening.

Instructions for spiced apple cider with orange

Ready to warm up with a cozy mug of homemade spiced cider? Let’s get brewing!

1. Pour 1 gallon of apple cider and 1 cup of fresh orange juice into a large pot. This liquid duo creates the perfect sweet-tart base for our spiced creation!
2. Slice up 1 orange and toss the rounds into the pot. Want to take your cider to the next level? Try studding the orange slices with whole cloves before adding them – this little trick releases amazing flavor!
3. Add 5 cinnamon sticks to the mixture. These woody wonders will infuse your cider with that classic warm spice we all crave.
4. If you’re using 1 tablespoon of whole cloves separately (not studded in oranges), toss them in now. Feel free to add optional star anise, allspice, or even a handful of cranberries for extra festive flair!
5. Set your heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 hours. Don’t let it boil – we want a slow infusion that coaxes all those spicy flavors out without getting bitter.
6. Strain out all the spices before serving. Nobody wants to chomp down on a whole clove!
7. Keep your cider warm until serving time, and drop a fresh cinnamon stick into each mug for an impressive garnish that doubles as a stirrer.

The longer your cider simmers, the more intense the flavors become.

Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible while this brews – consider it a bonus air freshener!

Pro Tips

For a more intense and aromatic spiced cider, stud the orange slices with cloves before adding them to the pot, as this helps infuse the oils from both ingredients more effectively throughout the liquid.

This simple technique creates a beautiful presentation while ensuring the clove flavor disperses evenly without loose spices floating in your drink.

Substitutions & Variations

Classic spiced apple cider offers a perfect canvas for creative variations that transform the flavor profile while maintaining its warm, comforting essence.

• Cranberry-Apple Cider: Replace 2 cups of apple cider with cranberry juice and add 1/2 cup fresh cranberries for a tart twist with beautiful color.
• Maple-Vanilla Infusion: Add 1/4 cup pure maple syrup and 1 split vanilla bean to the simmering cider for a sweet caramel-like flavor profile.
• Ginger Spice Blend: Include 3 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger and substitute cardamom pods for cloves to create a zesty Asian-inspired variation.
• Pear Cider Fusion: Swap half the apple cider with pear nectar and add two sliced pears for a delicate fruity alternative.
• Mulled Wine Hybrid: Replace half the cider with red wine and add 2 tablespoons of honey for an adult beverage perfect for evening gatherings.
• Citrus Medley: Use a combination of orange, lemon and lime slices instead of just orange for a bright, complex citrus profile.

Leftovers & Storage Tips

Once your spiced apple cider has worked its magic at your gathering, you’ll want to make the most of any leftovers rather than pouring that liquid gold down the drain.

Store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays for future recipes or quick single servings.

Just reheat gently—don’t boil!

Simmering Apple Warmth Guaranteed

Spiced Apple Cider with Orange & Cinnamon Sticks

Yield: 12 Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 180 mins Total Time: 190 mins Rating: ★★★★★

A warming spiced apple cider infused with orange and cinnamon perfect for cold weather gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 orange, sliced
• 5 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• Optional: star anise, allspice, cranberries

Directions:

• Combine apple cider, orange juice, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks in a large pot.
• If using cloves, stud them into the orange slices or add loosely.
• Add star anise and allspice if desired.
• Simmer gently on low heat for 2-3 hours without boiling.
• Strain spices before serving.

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