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–+ servings
Hot Orange Spice Apple Cider 1

Hot Orange Spice Apple Cider

This aromatic blend combines the tangy sweetness of fresh apple cider with bright citrus notes and warming mulling spices to create a cozy cup of comfort perfect for those chilly autumn evenings or holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Optimal Steeping Time 1 hour
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Beverages
Cuisine American, Holiday
Servings 16 servings
Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Stainless Steel or Enameled Pot
  • Cheesecloth
  • Kitchen Twine
  • Fine-Mesh Strainer

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients

  • 1 gallon fresh apple cider unfiltered preferred for richer flavor
  • 2 medium oranges sliced into rounds, organic recommended
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup honey or brown sugar can substitute

Spices

  • 2 cinnamon sticks Ceylon cinnamon offers a more delicate flavor
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
  • 1 inch fresh ginger sliced, crystallized ginger works as alternative
  • 3 star anise pods
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Optional Additions

  • 1 cup cranberries for festive color and subtle tartness
  • 1/2 cup bourbon, spiced rum, or brandy optional for adult version

Instructions
 

  • Thoroughly wash and scrub your oranges under warm water. Slice them into ¼-inch rounds, preserving as much juice as possible.
  • Combine the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, and star anise in a piece of cheesecloth, creating a spice sachet. Tie securely with kitchen twine, leaving a long tail for easy retrieval.
  • Pour the apple cider into a large stainless steel or enameled pot. Add the orange slices, spice bundle, sliced ginger, and grated nutmeg. If using cranberries, add them now.
  • Bring the mixture to a very gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Once small bubbles begin to form around the edges (approximately 10 minutes), immediately reduce heat to low.
  • Allow your Hot Orange Spice Apple Cider to simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, though 60-90 minutes will develop significantly deeper flavors. Keep the temperature below 180°F (82°C).
  • After simmering, remove from heat and stir in maple syrup to taste.
  • For individual servings, ladle the hot cider into mugs through a fine-mesh strainer. Garnish each mug with a fresh orange slice and cinnamon stick.
  • If creating an adult version, add 1-1.5 ounces of your chosen spirit per serving after the cider has been removed from heat.

Notes

For a healthier version, use half apple cider and half unsweetened apple juice to reduce sugar content, or skip the added sweetener entirely.
Avoid boiling the cider as this can create a bitter taste. Keep below 180°F for optimal results.
Refrigerate cooled leftover cider in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
For a slow cooker version, combine all ingredients and set to LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 30gSodium: 10mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 26gVitamin C: 45mg
Keyword Apple Cider, Hot Cider, Mulled Cider, Orange Spice, Holiday Drinks
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