Description
Warm and cozy apple cider made with fresh apples, seasonal spices, and natural sweeteners. This comforting drink combines the crispness of apples with warming cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, sweetened naturally with maple syrup (natural) and enhanced by a natural gelling agent for a soothing texture. Perfect for chilly days or festive gatherings, this versatile apple cider can be served warm or chilled with optional variations to suit any taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit and Spices
- 4 cups fresh apples, chopped with skin on
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 5 cloves
- 1 inch fresh ginger root, sliced (or 1 tsp dried ginger)
Sweeteners and Enhancers
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (natural), or to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp natural vanilla extract (optional for spiced vanilla variation)
Texture
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
Additional Variations (optional)
- 1 tbsp maple caramel syrup (natural) for caramel notes
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for herbal infusion
- 1 cup lightly carbonated grape juice for sparkling version
- 1 cup grape juice and citrus slices for apple cider punch
Instructions
- Prepare Your Apples and Spices: Wash and chop fresh apples into chunks, keeping the skin on for extra flavor and color. Gather cinnamon sticks, cloves, and ginger and have them ready to infuse the cider.
- Simmer the Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the apple pieces, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, and a splash of water. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for at least 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and apples to soften.
- Strain and Sweeten: Strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove solids. Sweeten the strained cider with maple syrup (natural) to your liking, stirring well to combine.
- Enhance Texture with a Natural Gelling Agent: While the cider is still warm, stir in the natural gelling agent, whisking until fully dissolved to achieve a thicker, luxurious texture.
- Serve Warm or Chill for Later: Pour the prepared apple cider into mugs or glasses. Enjoy warm immediately or allow to cool and chill for a refreshing cold beverage.
Notes
- Use a blend of sweet and tart apples for a balanced cider flavor.
- Simmer gently to prevent caramelizing and maintain a bright flavor.
- Customize your spice level by adding more cinnamon or ginger as desired.
- Add natural sweeteners gradually to achieve preferred sweetness without overpowering.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the most aromatic and flavorful cider.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days; stir before reheating.
- Freeze cider using freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat gently without boiling; add water or grape juice if cider is too concentrated.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick, fresh apple slice, or star anise pod for an inviting presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: apple cider, spiced cider, warm drinks, fall beverage, vegan cider, natural sweetener, cozy drinks, cinnamon, ginger
