Spiced Cranberry Apple Cider
This warming Spiced Cranberry Apple Cider combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples and aromatic holiday spices. Perfect for holiday gatherings or quiet evenings at home, this festive beverage delivers rich flavor and seasonal cheer in every sip.
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Fine-mesh Sieve
- Slow Cooker (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 cups apple cider 100% apple cider, not apple juice for best flavor (32 oz)
- 2 cups fresh cranberries or frozen, no need to thaw
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 orange sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 star anise pods
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey adjust to taste
- 1 inch fresh ginger sliced
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cold water, removing any stems or soft berries. Slice the orange into thin rounds, keeping the peel on for maximum flavor. If you're sensitive to bitter notes, remove the white pith from the orange slices. Pro tip: Slightly crushing the whole spices with the back of a spoon before adding will release their aromatic oils more effectively.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the apple cider and cranberries. The natural pectin in cranberries will give your cider a slightly thicker, more luxurious mouthfeel compared to traditional apple cider. If using a slow cooker, this is when you'll transfer everything to your crockpot instead.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, orange slices, cloves, allspice berries, nutmeg, star anise, and ginger slices to the pot. The combination of these warming spices creates a synergistic effect that enhances both the apple and cranberry flavors.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes. Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that signals the holiday season has truly arrived. For slow cooker method: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully with minimal effort.
- After simmering, stir in your maple syrup or honey to taste. The natural tartness of cranberries varies by batch, so start with less sweetener and adjust upward if needed. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a serving pitcher or directly into mugs. For an extra special presentation, reserve some cranberries and orange slices for garnish.
Notes
This cranberry apple cider keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, with flavor actually improving after 24 hours as the spices continue to infuse. Store in a glass container rather than plastic.
For make-ahead convenience, prepare a spice sachet with all dry ingredients tied in cheesecloth. This can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
The cider also freezes well for up to 3 months in airtight containers, making it perfect for batch preparation during busy holiday seasons.
For adults, add 1.5 oz of spiced rum, bourbon, or brandy per serving after the cider is strained.
Nutrition
Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 1gSugar: 26gVitamin C: 20mg
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