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Spiced Apple Cider Recipe

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This warm and fragrant Spiced Apple Cider is the perfect cozy drink for autumn. Made with rich apple cider, fresh citrus and apple slices, and a blend of aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and star anise, this cider offers a well-balanced, comforting flavor. Slow-simmered in a crock pot for hours, it can be served warm or chilled, making it versatile for any autumn gathering.

Ingredients

Spiced Apple Cider Ingredients

  • 1 gallon apple cider
  • 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tbsp ground nutmeg
  • 3 lemon slices (from 1/2 lemon)
  • 3 orange slices (from 1/2 orange)
  • 4 apple slices (from 1/2 apple)
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 5 star anise pieces (up to 6)

Instructions

  1. Add Ingredients to Crock Pot: In a 5-quart crock pot set on low heat, combine the apple cider, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon slices, orange slices, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise.
  2. Simmer and Infuse Flavors: Allow the mixture to warm and simmer gently on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer enables the spices and fresh fruit to infuse the cider with deep, aromatic flavors.
  3. Serve Warm: Ladle the hot spiced cider into serving glasses and optionally top with whipped cream and caramel to enhance the cozy autumn experience.
  4. Optional Chill: If desired, remove the fruit slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise pieces after cooking. Store the cider in the fridge overnight to serve chilled the next day.
  5. Adjust Sweetness: If the cider tastes too sweet, dilute it by adding a splash of water before serving, either warm or cold.

Notes

  • You can serve the cider chilled by removing the solid fruit and spices after cooking and refrigerating overnight.
  • If the cider is too sweet to your taste, add water to dilute it to preferred sweetness.