Description
Ina Garten’s hot spiced apple cider warms winter gatherings with fragrant cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest. Seasonal comfort flows through this simple, elegant beverage perfect for holiday celebrations and cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 960 ml (4 cups / 32 fl oz) fresh apple cider
- 1 large navel orange
- 1 crisp red apple
- 6 to 7 cinnamon sticks (5 to 7.5 cm / 2 to 3 inches)
- 4 whole black peppercorns
- 3 whole dried cloves
- 1 whole star anise
- 60 ml (2 tbsps / 2 fl oz) good bourbon, such as Maker’s Mark
Instructions
- Infusion Preparation: Combine apple cider, whole peppercorns, cinnamon stick, dried cloves, and star anise in a medium saucepan, creating a rich, aromatic base for the spiced cider.
- Citrus Essence: Using a vegetable peeler, extract a long orange peel strip and add to the liquid mixture, enhancing the depth of flavor.
- Simmering Process: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the spices to fully release their complex flavors.
- Straining Technique: Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring container, eliminating all solid spices and orange peel while preserving the vibrant liquid.
- Garnish Creation: Slice remaining orange and red apple into delicate half-rounds, preparing decorative elements for the final presentation.
- Serving and Presentation: Pour the warm, spiced cider into heatproof mugs, optionally adding bourbon for an adult version, and artfully garnish each serving with orange slice, apple slice, and a cinnamon stick.
Notes
- Spice Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality whole spices for maximum flavor intensity and aromatic depth.
- Simmering Technique: Keep heat low after initial boil to prevent bitter extraction and preserve delicate spice nuances.
- Straining Precision: Use a fine-mesh sieve to remove all solid ingredients, ensuring a smooth, clean cider texture.
- Bourbon Boost: Add bourbon after pouring to control alcohol strength and personalize each serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg