Warm Apple Cider Cinnamon (Printable)

A cozy blend of apple cider and warming spices, ideal for chilly day comfort.

# What You'll Need:

→ Base

01 - 4 cups unfiltered apple cider

→ Spices

02 - 2 cinnamon sticks
03 - 4 whole cloves
04 - 2 star anise (optional)
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

→ Sweetener (optional)

06 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup

→ Garnish

07 - Fresh apple slices
08 - Additional cinnamon sticks

# Directions:

01 - In a medium saucepan, add apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise (if using), and ground nutmeg.
02 - Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture just to a simmer without boiling.
03 - Stir in brown sugar or maple syrup if desired, then simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes to infuse flavors.
04 - Remove the spices by straining the mixture through a fine mesh strainer.
05 - Ladle the warm cider into mugs and garnish each with fresh apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It fills your entire kitchen with the most comforting aroma while you're making it, like you've opened a door to fall itself.
  • The whole spices release their flavors slowly, creating layers of warmth that taste infinitely better than any shortcut.
  • It's a drink that brings people together without requiring you to do anything complicated or fancy.
02 -
  • Never let the cider boil—I learned this the hard way when impatience got the better of me, and the result tasted sharp and one-dimensional instead of layered and warming.
  • If you're using fresh cider from a farmers market, it often has sediment at the bottom of the jug. Let that stay behind when you pour, or strain your cider before adding spices for the cleanest result.
  • The spices are steeping like tea, so timing matters more than you'd think. Too short and they're shy; too long and the flavor becomes bitter and heavy.
03 -
  • Keep a small jar of whole spices mixed and labeled near your stove during fall and winter—when friends stop by on a cold day, you can make this in under 20 minutes without running around hunting for ingredients.
  • If your apple cider has separated or the liquid looks murky, strain it before heating. Clear, gorgeous-looking cider makes a more inviting final drink.
  • An old-fashioned handheld juicer or citrus reamer works perfectly for squeezing a fresh apple slice into your mug at the last moment—the bright juice adds a fresh note that rounds everything out.

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