Warm Spiced Apple Cider
A warm, comforting apple cider infused with cinnamon, cloves, and a hint of citrus. Perfect for serving after dinner or while guests mingle before the big meal. It’s simple, fragrant, and makes your whole house smell like Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider (NOT apple juice)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (more or less, to taste)
- 1 orange (cut into rounds)
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 4-5 whole cloves
- 2 star anise (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the apple cider, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low. Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes.
- Stir in brown sugar or maple syrup and vanilla extract, if using. Taste and adjust sweetness.
- Strain to remove spices and orange slices.
- Serve warm in mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick or orange slice if desired.
Notes
- Keep it warm in a slow cooker for easy serving throughout the day.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day — the flavors deepen beautifully overnight.