The Winter Cider
Cozy up this season with "The Winter Cider," a soul-warming drink that blends the best flavors of cold-weather comfort. This aromatic recipe combines spiced apple cider with fresh orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and a hint of ginger for a perfectly balanced festive sip. A touch of honey or brown sugar enhances the natural sweetness, while a splash of vanilla extract adds depth. Ready in just 40 minutes—including simmering to maximize flavor—this versatile drink is perfect as-is or with a splash of bourbon for an adult-friendly twist. Served steaming hot in mugs and garnished with a cinnamon stick or orange slice, "The Winter Cider" is a must-have for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or any winter celebration.
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Ingredients
- 6 cups Apple cider
- 1 large Oranges
- 3 sticks Cinnamon sticks
- 8 pieces Whole cloves
- 2 pods Star anise
- 1 inch piece Fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons Honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 ounce per serving Optional bourbon (for adults)
Directions
Step 1
Pour the apple cider into a large pot or slow cooker.
Step 2
Slice the orange into thin rounds and add them to the pot.
Step 3
Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise pods, and the piece of fresh ginger (sliced or crushed slightly to release flavor).
Step 4
Stir in the honey or brown sugar and the vanilla extract.
Step 5
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to just shy of a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6
Taste and adjust sweetness as needed, adding more honey or sugar if desired.
Step 7
Strain the cider through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the spices and orange slices if a smooth texture is preferred.
Step 8
Serve hot in mugs. For adults, add 1 ounce of bourbon to each serving for an extra warming touch.
Step 9
Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick, orange slice, or star anise pod for a festive presentation.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 1776.1 grams (1776.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1043 |
| Total Fat 4.10g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat 0.50g | 3% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.60g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 70mg | 3% |
| Total Carbohydrate 240.10g | 87% |
| Dietary Fiber 13.20g | 47% |
| Total Sugars 194.20g | |
| Protein 5.70g | 11% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 350mg | 27% |
| Iron 7mg | 37% |
| Potassium 2074mg | 44% |
Source of Calories