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–+ servings
Iced Apple Cider 1

Refreshing Iced Apple Cider

A revitalizing twist on the classic fall favorite, this iced apple cider preserves all the rich, complex flavors of traditional cider while providing a cool, invigorating experience perfect for early autumn days when the sun still shines bright.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Fine-mesh Sieve
  • Pitcher

Ingredients
  

Cider Base

  • 4 cups fresh apple cider unfiltered preferred for richer flavor
  • 2 cinnamon sticks or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 1 orange sliced into rounds
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup optional for additional sweetness

For Serving

  • 1 apple thinly sliced for garnish
  • ice cubes preferably made with filtered water
  • fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Pour the apple cider into a medium saucepan and add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. Place half of the orange slices into the mixture, reserving the rest for garnish.
  • Warm the cider mixture over medium-low heat until it just starts to steam—around 170°F (77°C). Be careful not to let it boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture infuse for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • If you prefer a sweeter cider, add honey or maple syrup while the mixture is still warm. Start with one tablespoon, taste, and adjust according to your preference.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature naturally (about 30 minutes). Once cooled, strain the cider through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove the spices and orange slices.
  • Refrigerate the strained cider until thoroughly chilled (about 2 hours, or 30 minutes in the freezer if you're in a hurry).
  • When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice, pour the chilled cider, and garnish with fresh apple slices, reserved orange rounds, and mint leaves.

Notes

For a sparkling version, mix the chilled cider with equal parts ginger ale or club soda.
Store refrigerated in a tightly sealed glass container for up to 5 days.
The flavor often improves after 24 hours as the spice notes continue to develop.
For a lower sugar version, dilute the cider with 25% water or unsweetened sparkling water.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 0.2gSodium: 10mgPotassium: 295mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 26g
Keyword Apple Cider, Iced Cider, Fall Beverage, Non-alcoholic, Spiced Cider
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