Spiced Apple Cider Holiday Drink
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Diet: Gluten-free, Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups unfiltered apple cider
- 1 large orange, sliced into rounds
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 8 whole cloves
- 2 star anise
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
- Slice the orange into thin rounds. If you prefer a less bitter taste, you can peel the orange first to remove the white pith, though the peel adds a lovely aromatic oil to the cider.
- Pour the apple cider into a large pot or a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven. Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and fresh cranberries to the liquid.
- Place the pot over medium heat until the cider reaches a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it steep for at least 30 minutes. Do not let it reach a rolling boil, as this can cloud the cider.
- Taste the cider after 30 minutes. If you find it needs a bit more sweetness, stir in the maple syrup until it is fully dissolved. You can also add more cinnamon if you prefer a spicier kick.
- Using a fine-mesh strainer or a slotted spoon, remove the whole spices and orange slices. Ladle the hot cider into mugs and garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick or a few fresh cranberries.