Description
Spiced Citrus Cider Delight brings warmth from Mediterranean traditions, blending aromatic spices with zesty citrus notes. Fragrant cinnamon, orange peel, and cloves create a comforting beverage perfect for sharing with friends during cool evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 cups apple cider
- 1 orange, sliced
Spices:
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Optional Alcoholic Addition:
- rum or bourbon (amount not specified)
Instructions
- Gather a spacious cooking vessel and pour in the apple cider, creating a flavorful foundation for this aromatic beverage.
- Carefully layer orange slices, whole cinnamon sticks, aromatic cloves, ground allspice, and freshly grated nutmeg into the liquid, ensuring an even distribution of spices.
- Position the pot on the stovetop and ignite the burner to medium temperature, allowing the liquid to gradually warm and release its complex aromatics.
- Once small bubbles begin to form around the edges, reduce the heat to a low setting, creating a gentle, consistent simmer that will prevent scorching and maximize flavor extraction.
- Allow the liquid to gently percolate and meld together, with spices releasing their essential oils and infusing the cider for approximately 25 to 35 minutes.
- Position a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a serving pitcher, carefully pouring the heated mixture to capture all whole spices and fruit fragments.
- Transfer the strained, fragrant cider into prewarmed ceramic mugs, offering optional garnishes like cinnamon stick stirrers or optional bourbon (1 to 2 fluid ounces / 30 to 60 milliliters) for an adult version.
Notes
- Gather all spices and fresh citrus beforehand to ensure a smooth, hassle-free preparation.
- Choose fresh, high-quality apple cider for the most robust and authentic flavor profile.
- Keep heat low and steady to prevent burning and maintain the delicate spice infusion.
- Optional alcohol can transform this warming beverage into a cozy adult cocktail for chilly evenings.
- Strain carefully using a fine-mesh sieve to capture all whole spices and citrus bits.
- Leftover cider can be refrigerated and gently reheated, with flavors intensifying over time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Drinks, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg