Description
Cozy up this fall with our perfectly spiced Maple Apple Cider, combining fresh apple cider, natural maple syrup sweetness, and aromatic spices for a warm, comforting drink ideal for chilly days and festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh apple cider
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 2 star anise pods
- 1 strip of orange peel (about 2 inches)
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Combine Your Base Ingredients: Pour fresh apple cider into a large pot and add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange peel. This forms the spiced foundation of your Maple Apple Cider.
- Heat and Infuse: Warm the mixture over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Keep it at a gentle simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes to allow the spices to infuse their flavors fully.
- Sweeten with Maple Syrup: Remove the pot from heat and stir in pure maple syrup to taste. Start with a few tablespoons and adjust gradually until the cider reaches your desired sweetness.
- Strain and Serve: Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the spices and orange peel, then pour the warm Maple Apple Cider into mugs or heatproof glasses for serving.
Notes
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest apple cider you can find for the best natural flavor and sweetness.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep the heat low to preserve delicate flavors and prevent bitterness from the spices.
- Adjust Sweetness Slowly: Maple syrup varies in intensity, so add it little by little for perfect sweetness.
- Spice Control: If you prefer a milder spice note, reduce the amount of cloves and cinnamon sticks.
- Make It Ahead: Preparing the cider a few hours early allows flavors to meld better when reheated.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg