Spiced Cran-Apple Cider Recipe
Overview:
Spiced Cran-Apple Cider is a delightful beverage that captures the essence of autumn with its warm, comforting flavors. While traditionally enjoyed during the fall season, this recipe allows you to savor its deliciousness year-round, thanks to the availability of frozen cider or apple juice as substitutes. Whether served at holiday gatherings or as a cozy treat on a chilly evening, this cider is sure to be a hit with its aromatic blend of spices and fruity goodness.
Recipe Details:
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 0 minutes (since there’s no preparation required)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories per Serving: 68.9 kcal
- Rating: 5 stars (from 4 reviews)
Ingredients:
- 1 part apple cider (or apple juice)
- 1 part cranberry juice cocktail
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Note: The quantities listed are adaptable based on your taste preferences and the intensity of spice desired.
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, mix together the apple cider (or apple juice) and cranberry juice cocktail.
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Add Spices: Stir in the ground allspice, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg until well incorporated with the juices.
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Heat and Simmer:
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmering allows the flavors of the spices to infuse into the cider, creating a rich and aromatic beverage.
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Serve: Remove the spiced cran-apple cider from heat. It can be served warm immediately or kept warm on low heat until ready to serve. Optionally, garnish with a cinnamon stick or a slice of apple for added presentation.
Tips and Substitutions:
- Frozen Cider: If fresh cider is not available, frozen cider works perfectly and is often available year-round in many locations.
- Apple Juice Substitute: During off-seasons or if preferred, substitute apple juice for apple cider. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices according to your taste. For a stronger spice flavor, increase the quantities slightly.
Serving Suggestions:
Spiced Cran-Apple Cider is versatile and can be enjoyed on various occasions:
- Holiday Gatherings: Perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving gatherings, offering a festive and warming drink.
- Quick Treat: Ideal for a quick warm-up on a cold day, ready in under 30 minutes.
- Kid-Friendly: Children will love the sweet and spiced flavors, making it a hit with families.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 68.9 kcal per serving
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 2.8 mg
- Carbohydrates: 17.2 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Sugar: 14.9 g
- Protein: 0 g
Conclusion:
Spiced Cran-Apple Cider is not only easy to prepare but also a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fall throughout the year. With its blend of apple and cranberry juices infused with warm spices, it’s a beverage that appeals to all ages and occasions. Whether you’re looking to add a special touch to a holiday meal or simply craving a comforting drink, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the cozy warmth and delicious flavors of homemade Spiced Cran-Apple Cider with each sip!
