This is warm apple cider simmered with orange juice, lemon juice and whole spices, then strained and served in mugs with orange and apple slices. There is no alcohol in it. The orange and lemon give the sweet cider some acidity, and the cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg and ginger make the house smell like fall while it simmers. The recipe makes 6 cups in 30 minutes.
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Honey or maple syrup is added to taste, so the sweetness is easy to adjust, and the drink is suitable for both adults and kids.
What Goes into the Pot
- Apple cider (4 cups): the base. Store-bought works, and fresh-squeezed cider is a bonus if you can find it.
- Orange juice (1 cup) and lemon juice (1 tablespoon): the orange adds a citrus note, and the lemon balances the sweetness of the cider and orange juice.
- Cinnamon sticks (2) and whole cloves (5): they flavor the drink while it simmers, then get strained out.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon) and ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon): add warmth and a little spice.
- Honey or maple syrup (1/4 cup): adjust to taste.
- Orange slices and apple slices: for garnish.
Simmering and Straining
Put the cider, orange juice and lemon juice in a large saucepan, then add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg and ginger. Heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer, then turn the heat to low. Stir in the honey or maple syrup until it dissolves, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes so the flavors blend.
Take it off the heat and pour it through a fine mesh sieve to remove the spices. If you have no sieve, cheesecloth works. Serve warm in mugs, garnished with the orange and apple slices.
Start with less sweetener and taste as you go, since it is easy to add more but hard to take sweetness away. The drink can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator, then reheated gently on the stove. A slow cooker will keep a larger batch warm for a gathering.
Ways to Change It
- Heat: add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of fresh ginger while it simmers. You can also raise the ground ginger to 1 teaspoon.
- Tart and fruity: a splash of cranberry or pomegranate juice.
- Maple: use pure maple syrup in place of the honey.
- More spice: a pinch of allspice, or a chai spice blend instead of the individual spices.
- Herbs: a sprig of rosemary or thyme in the pot while it simmers, or fresh mint or rosemary on top.
- Nutty: stir in a tablespoon of almond or hazelnut extract.
- Creamy: add a splash of coconut milk or almond milk just before serving, or top with a dollop of whipped cream.
What to Serve With It
A cheese platter with sharp cheddar, brie and goat cheese goes well with the sweetness of the drink. Roasted almonds or pecans seasoned with cinnamon and a pinch of salt add crunch. Other savory choices are vegetable sticks with ranch dip, stuffed mushrooms, mini caprese skewers and herbed chicken skewers. If you want a second drink, unsweetened iced tea with lemon or flavored sparkling water cleanses the palate.
Timing and Nutrition
Prep takes 10 minutes and simmering takes 20, so it is ready in 30 minutes. A 1-cup serving has approximately 130 calories, 30 grams of carbohydrates and 30 grams of sugar, with no fat or protein.
FAQ
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stove when you are ready to serve.
Is it suitable for kids?
Yes. It contains no alcohol.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Change the amount of honey or maple syrup. Start with less and add more to taste.
Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes. It works well in this recipe, and fresh-squeezed cider is a bonus if you can find it.
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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team
The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us
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Ingredients
Instructions
In a large saucepan, combine the apple cider, orange juice, and lemon juice.
Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger to the mixture.
Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Stir in the honey or maple syrup until fully dissolved.
Let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Remove from heat and strain out the spices using a fine mesh sieve.
Serve warm in mugs, garnished with orange and apple slices.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of fresh ginger during the simmering process.
To make it a festive drink, add a splash of cranberry juice for a tart twist or top with a dollop of whipped cream for a treat.
Nutrition
| Serving Size | 1 cup |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 calories |
| Sugar Content | 30g |
| Sodium Content | 0mg |
| Fat Content | 0g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 0g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 0g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0g |
| Carbohydrate Content | 30g |
| Fiber Content | 0g |
| Protein Content | 0g |
| Cholesterol Content | 0mg |