There's nothing quite like a warm and fragrant holiday apple cider to bring comfort and cheer to the holiday season. This delightful blend of apple juice, cinnamon, cloves, and cranberries creates a harmonious symphony of flavors that will make your gatherings extra special. Perfect for cozying up by the fire or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite.
Photos of Holiday Apple Cider Recipe
Whole cloves and ground allspice might not be usual staples in your pantry, so be sure to pick them up at the supermarket. Additionally, fresh cranberries and different varieties of apples like granny smith and fuji may require a trip to the produce section if they aren't already on hand.
Ingredients for Holiday Apple Cider Recipe
Apple juice: The base for your cider, providing a sweet and fruity foundation.
Cinnamon stick: Adds warmth and spicy notes to the cider.
Whole cloves: Infuse the cider with a deep, aromatic flavor.
Ground allspice: Brings a hint of complexity with its subtle, peppery undertones.
Granny smith apple: Offers a tart contrast to the sweetness of the juice.
Fuji apple: Adds a sweet and crisp element to the mix.
Orange: Contributes a fresh, citrusy zing that brightens the cider.
Cranberries: Provide a festive touch and a slight tartness, balancing the overall flavor.
One reader, Elaine Palomino says:
This holiday apple cider recipe is fantastic! The blend of spices and fruits creates a warm, comforting drink perfect for chilly evenings. It's easy to make and fills the house with a wonderful aroma. Highly recommend!
Techniques for Making the Perfect Holiday Apple Cider
How to strain through a fine mesh sieve: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to separate the liquid from the solids. Use a spoon to press down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
How to use cheesecloth: Line the sieve with a layer of cheesecloth to catch finer particles. Pour the strained cider through the cheesecloth-lined sieve to ensure a clearer liquid.
How to refrigerate properly: Allow the cider to cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator to avoid raising the fridge's internal temperature.
How to garnish with fruit: Slice additional fruit such as apples, oranges, or cranberries and add them to the cider before serving for an attractive presentation.
How To Make Holiday Apple Cider
Christmas will never be the same without a warm cup of apple cider! Make your own homemade cider packed with holiday flavors to give you more festive cheer.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 10cupsapple juice
- 2cinnamon stick
- 4whole cloves
- 1tspground allspice
- 1granny smith applesliced
- 1fuji applesliced
- 1orangesliced
- 1cupcranberries
Instructions
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Add the apple juice, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, granny smith, fuji apple, orange and cranberries to a pot.
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Bring them to a boil, cover the pot, reduce the heat, and let simmer for 1 hour.
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Strain apple mixture though a fine mesh sieve and discard solids any solids.
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Drain cider again though a cheesecloth lined sieve.
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Refrigerate until cold.
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Garnish with additional fruit if desired, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 149.79kcal
- Fat: 0.45g
- Saturated Fat: 0.07g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.11g
- Carbohydrates: 36.88g
- Fiber: 2.56g
- Sugar: 29.52g
- Protein: 0.57g
- Sodium: 10.88mg
- Calcium: 35.06mg
- Potassium: 330.82mg
- Iron: 0.45mg
- Vitamin A: 3.17µg
- Vitamin C: 10.76mg
Key Technique for Enhancing Apple Cider Flavor
To enhance the flavor of your holiday apple cider, consider lightly toasting the cinnamon stick and whole cloves in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the pot. This will release their essential oils and deepen the overall aroma and taste of the cider.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Apple Cider
Pre-slice fruits: Slice the granny smith apple, fuji apple, and orange in advance to save time when assembling the cider.
Use a slow cooker: Instead of simmering on the stove, use a slow cooker to combine all ingredients and let it cook on low for 3-4 hours.
Pre-measure spices: Measure out the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice beforehand and store them in a small container.
Batch preparation: Make a larger batch of apple cider and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, reheating as needed.
Substitute Ingredients For Holiday Apple Cider Recipe
apple juice - Substitute with pear juice: Pear juice has a similar sweetness and fruitiness, making it a good alternative.
cinnamon stick - Substitute with ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon can provide the same warm, spicy flavor, though you may need to adjust the quantity to taste.
whole cloves - Substitute with ground cloves: Ground cloves offer the same aromatic and slightly sweet flavor, but use sparingly as it is more potent.
ground allspice - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice contains allspice along with other complementary spices, providing a similar flavor profile.
granny smith apple - Substitute with honeycrisp apple: Honeycrisp apples have a similar tartness and crisp texture, making them a good alternative.
fuji apple - Substitute with gala apple: Gala apples are sweet and crisp, similar to Fuji apples, and will work well in the recipe.
orange - Substitute with lemon: Lemon can provide a similar citrusy brightness, though it is more tart, so use less to avoid overpowering the cider.
cranberries - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries can add a similar tartness and color, though they may need to be rehydrated for best results.
Presentation Ideas for Festive Apple Cider
Serve in elegant glassware: Choose crystal-clear glasses to showcase the rich amber hue of the apple cider. This will elevate the visual appeal and highlight the festive colors of the cranberries and orange slices.
Garnish with precision: Thinly slice the granny smith apple and fuji apple into delicate, uniform wedges. Float a few slices on top of the cider along with a couple of cranberries and a small twist of orange peel for a touch of elegance.
Use aromatic spices: Place a single cinnamon stick in each glass as a stirrer. This not only adds a rustic charm but also enhances the aromatic experience as the cider is sipped.
Create a festive rim: Dip the rim of each glass in a mixture of ground allspice and fine sugar. This adds a subtle, sweet-spicy flavor with each sip and gives the presentation a festive touch.
Serve with a side of spiced nuts: Accompany the apple cider with a small dish of spiced nuts. This provides a complementary flavor profile and a delightful crunch, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
Highlight the seasonal theme: Place the glasses on a wooden serving board decorated with sprigs of fresh rosemary and cranberries. This not only ties in the holiday theme but also adds a touch of natural beauty to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Apple Cider
Pot: A large pot is essential for combining and heating all the ingredients together.
Stove: You will need a stove to bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer it.
Fine mesh sieve: A fine mesh sieve is used to strain the apple mixture and remove any solids.
Cheesecloth: A cheesecloth lined sieve is necessary for a second straining to ensure the cider is clear.
Knife: A knife is needed to slice the apples and orange.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a safe surface for slicing the fruit.
Refrigerator: The refrigerator is used to chill the cider until it is cold.
Serving glasses: Serving glasses are used to serve the finished cider.
Ladle: A ladle helps in transferring the cider from the pot to the serving glasses.
Cover: A cover for the pot is necessary to simmer the mixture properly.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Apple Cider
- Let the apple cider cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled cider to an airtight container or a pitcher with a lid.
- Store the cider in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the cider in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave about an inch of headspace at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Thaw the frozen cider overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or serving.
- To serve the refrigerated or thawed cider, gently reheat it in a pot over low heat until warmed through, if desired.
- Avoid boiling the cider, as this may affect its flavor and aroma.
- Garnish the reheated or chilled cider with fresh apple slices, orange slices, or cinnamon sticks before serving, if desired.
How To Reheat Leftover Apple Cider
The best way to reheat leftover holiday apple cider is to pour it into a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. This method ensures that the cider heats evenly and doesn't scorch or develop a bitter taste.
If you're in a hurry, you can reheat the cider in the microwave. Pour the desired amount into a microwave-safe mug or bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's hot enough for your liking. Be careful not to overheat the cider, as it can cause the flavors to become muted or even bitter.
For a more festive presentation, reheat the apple cider in a slow cooker or crockpot. Pour the cider into the slow cooker, add a few fresh cinnamon sticks, cloves, and sliced oranges or apples, and heat it on low for 1-2 hours. This method not only reheats the cider but also infuses it with additional flavor and aroma.
If you have a large batch of leftover cider, you can reheat it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), pour the cider into an oven-safe dish or Dutch oven, and cover it with a lid or aluminum foil. Heat the cider in the oven for 20-30 minutes, or until it's hot throughout. Stir the cider occasionally to ensure even heating.
For a single serving of holiday apple cider, you can use a milk frother or steamer to quickly reheat it. Pour the cider into a mug, submerge the frother or steamer in the liquid, and heat it until it reaches your desired temperature. This method is quick, easy, and perfect for those moments when you need a warm, comforting drink in a hurry.
Interesting Fact About Apple Cider
A fun fact about this holiday apple cider recipe is that the inclusion of cranberries not only adds a festive touch but also provides a boost of antioxidants and vitamin C, making it a delicious and healthful beverage choice during the colder months.
Is Making Apple Cider at Home Cost-Effective?
This holiday apple cider recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like apple juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice are relatively inexpensive and can be bought in bulk. Fresh granny smith apples, fuji apples, oranges, and cranberries are also affordable, especially when purchased in season. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is Apple Cider Healthy or Unhealthy?
This holiday apple cider recipe is a relatively healthy beverage choice, as it primarily consists of natural ingredients like fresh fruits and spices. Apple juice, the main component, provides vitamins and antioxidants. The addition of whole apples, an orange, and cranberries further enhances the nutritional value by contributing fiber, vitamin C, and other beneficial compounds. The spices used, such as cinnamon and allspice, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and potential health benefits. However, it's important to note that the recipe still contains a significant amount of natural sugars from the apple juice and fruits, which should be consumed in moderation.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of apple juice and replace it with water or unsweetened tea to lower the sugar content
- Add more whole fruits to increase the fiber content and provide a more balanced flavor profile
- Experiment with additional spices like ginger or nutmeg, which offer unique health benefits and flavor dimensions
- Serve the cider in smaller portions to encourage mindful consumption and limit excessive sugar intake
- Offer a sugar-free or reduced-sugar alternative for those with specific dietary needs or preferences
Editor's Opinion on This Holiday Apple Cider Recipe
This holiday apple cider recipe is a delightful blend of seasonal flavors. The combination of apple juice, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice creates a warm, aromatic base. Adding fresh apples, orange, and cranberries introduces a refreshing tartness and vibrant color. Simmering for an hour allows the spices to infuse deeply, enhancing the overall taste. Straining through a fine mesh sieve and cheesecloth ensures a smooth, clear cider. Chilling it before serving makes it a perfect festive drink. Garnishing with additional fruit adds an elegant touch. Overall, this recipe is both simple and sophisticated, ideal for holiday gatherings.
Enhance Your Holiday Apple Cider Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Apple Cider
Why trust this Holiday Apple Cider Recipe:
This holiday apple cider recipe is a must-try for its perfect blend of apple juice, cinnamon, and cloves. The addition of granny smith and fuji apples along with orange and cranberries creates a rich, festive flavor. Simmering for an hour ensures that all the spices and fruits meld beautifully, resulting in a warm, comforting drink. Straining through a fine mesh sieve and cheesecloth guarantees a smooth, clear cider. Trust this recipe for its balance of sweet and tart notes, making it a holiday favorite.
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