Warm Up Your Autumn with These Apple Cider Recipes – Fall’s Favorite Beverage
folks! Autumn’s here, and y’all know what that means it’s apple cider season! Whether you’re cozied up by the fireplace or hosting a festive fall gathering, apple cider is the go-to drink that just screams fall vibes. (Or should I say it cider screams fall vibes?) Today, Im gonna share some lip-smackin’ apple cider recipes thatll make you the star of the season. Let’s dive in!
Why Apple Cider is the Star of Fall
First off, let me just say if you ain’t sippin’ on apple cider in the fall, you’re missin’ out big time! This golden drink is like a hug in a mug, perfect for warming up chilly days and making those cozy nights even better. Plus, it’s super versatile! You can have it hot, cold, spiced, or even spiked (wink, wink). It’s no wonder it’s the season’s fave.
Classic Hot Apple Cider
Alright, lets start with the basics the classic hot apple cider. This ones a no-brainer and oh-so-easy to make.
- 6 cups of apple cider
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp of whole allspice
- 1 tsp of whole cloves
- Orange slices (optional, but trust me, they add a nice zing!)
Instructions:
- Pour the apple cider into a large pot.
- Add the brown sugar, cinnamon stick, allspice, and cloves.
- If youre feeling fancy, toss in a few orange slices.
- Bring it to a boil, then let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Your kitchen’s gonna smell heavenly!
- Strain the cider to remove the spices and orange slices.
- Serve hot and enjoy! (Careful, its hot!)
Spiced Apple Cider
If you wanna take your apple cider up a notch, spiced apple cider is where it’s at. This one’s got all the warm, cozy spices you could ever dream of.
- 8 cups of apple cider
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp of whole cloves
- 1 tsp of whole allspice
- 1/2 tsp of nutmeg
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, sliced
Instructions:
- Combine the apple cider and brown sugar in a large pot.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg.
- Throw in the orange and apple slices.
- Bring to a boil, then let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Strain out the spices and fruit slices before serving.
- Pour into mugs and sip away! Mmm, so gooood!
Chilled Apple Cider
Not a fan of hot drinks? No worries! Chilled apple cider is just as delicious and refreshing.
- 4 cups of apple cider
- 1/4 cup of orange juice
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp of whole cloves
- Apple slices for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix the apple cider, orange juice, and lemon juice in a large pitcher.
- Add the cinnamon stick and cloves.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. (Overnight is even better!)
- Strain out the spices before serving.
- Serve in glasses with a few apple slices for garnish. Refreshing!
Spiked Apple Cider
Alright, party people, this ones for you! A little booze can make your apple cider even more delightful. Heres how you can spike it up.
- 8 cups of apple cider
- 1/2 cup of dark rum or bourbon (or more, if youre feelin’ frisky!)
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp of whole cloves
- 1 tsp of whole allspice
- Orange slices for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine the apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil, then let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the rum or bourbon.
- Strain out the spices.
- Pour into mugs and garnish with orange slices. Cheers!
Mulled Apple Cider
This one’s for all yall who love those rich, deep flavors. Mulled apple cider is like a symphony of spices in your mouth. Oh yeah!
- 8 cups of apple cider
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1/2 cup of cranberry juice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp of whole cloves
- 1 tsp of whole allspice
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, sliced
Instructions:
- In a large pot, mix the apple cider, honey, and cranberry juice.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and fruit slices.
- Bring to a boil, then let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Strain out the spices and fruit slices before serving.
- Serve hot in mugs. Perfect for those cold nights!
Apple Cider Sangria
Heres a fun twist on your usual sangria apple cider sangria! This ones a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any fall gathering.
- 1 bottle of white wine (something light and fruity works best)
- 2 cups of apple cider
- 1/4 cup of brandy
- 1 apple, chopped
- 1 pear, chopped
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions:
- In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, apple cider, and brandy.
- Add the chopped apple, pear, and orange slices.
- Drop in the cinnamon stick.
- Stir well and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. (Overnight is best for those flavors to mingle!)
- Serve chilled. Cheers to a cider-licious time!
Homemade Apple Cider
Ever thought about making apple cider from scratch? It’s easier than you think! Plus, homemade always tastes better, right?
- 10-12 apples (a mix of sweet and tart works best)
- 1/2 cup of sugar (more or less, depending on your taste)
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp of whole cloves
- 1 tbsp of whole allspice
Instructions:
- Wash and quarter the apples (no need to peel or core them).
- Place the apples in a large pot and fill with water, covering the apples by about 2 inches.
- Add the sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice.
- Bring to a boil, then let it simmer for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally and mash the apples as they soften.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove
the solids.
- Pour the cider into a pitcher and refrigerate until chilled. Homemade goodness!
Apple Cider Doughnuts
Alright, I know were talkin’ drinks here, but whats apple cider without some delicious apple cider doughnuts on the side? Trust me, these are a must-try!
- 2 cups of apple cider
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 5 cups of flour
- 2 tsp of baking powder
- 1 tsp of baking soda
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp of nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Boil the apple cider in a small saucepan until it is reduced to about 1/2 cup. Let it cool.
- In a large bowl, beat the sugar and melted butter together until smooth. Add the eggs and beat well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the reduced apple cider, until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out doughnuts using a doughnut cutter (or just use a round cutter and make holes with a smaller cutter).
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375F (190C). Fry the doughnuts a few at a time until golden brown, about 1 minute per side.
- Drain on paper towels and roll in cinnamon sugar while still warm. So delicious!
Cider Hot Toddy
Need a little something to warm you up on a frosty night? This cider hot toddy will do just the trick. It’s like a warm hug in a glass.
- 2 cups of apple cider
- 1/4 cup of whiskey or bourbon
- 1 tbsp of honey
- 1 tbsp of lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 lemon slice
- 1 star anise (optional, but it looks fancy!)
Instructions:
- Heat the apple cider in a small saucepan until its steaming, but not boiling.
- Remove from heat and stir in the whiskey, honey, and lemon juice.
- Pour into a mug and add the cinnamon stick, lemon slice, and star anise.
- Sip slowly and feel the warmth spread through ya. Ahh, bliss!
Apple Cider Margarita
For those who love a good margarita, why not give it a fall twist with apple cider? It’s a fun and festive way to celebrate the season.
- 2 oz of tequila
- 1 oz of triple sec
- 2 oz of apple cider
- 1 oz of lime juice
- Apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish
- Salt or cinnamon sugar for rimming the glass
Instructions:
- Rim your glass with salt or cinnamon sugar. (Cinnamon sugar adds a nice touch!)
- In a shaker, combine the tequila, triple sec, apple cider, and lime juice with ice. Shake well.
- Strain into your prepared glass over ice.
- Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick. Cheers to a cider-ific margarita!
Apple Cider Moscow Mule
Another cocktail favorite with a fall twist the apple cider Moscow mule. This ones a refreshing mix of tangy and sweet, perfect for any occasion.
- 2 oz of vodka
- 1 oz of lime juice
- 4 oz of apple cider
- Ginger beer
- Apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a copper mug with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, lime juice, and apple cider.
- Top off with ginger beer.
- Stir gently and garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick. Enjoy your fall-flavored mule!
Slow Cooker Apple Cider
Wanna make your house smell amazing while youre out and about? Slow cooker apple cider is the way to go. Its super easy and perfect for those lazy days.
- 8 cups of apple cider
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp of whole cloves
- 1 tsp of whole allspice
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, sliced
Instructions:
- Pour the apple cider into your slow cooker.
- Add the brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and fruit slices.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Strain out the spices and fruit slices before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy the cozy vibes!
Conclusion
There ya have it, folks! A whole bunch of apple cider recipes to make your fall season extra special. Whether youre a fan of the classic hot cider, looking to spice things up, or in the mood for a boozy twist, there’s something here for everyone. So grab your mugs, gather your friends and family, and let’s toast to the coziness of autumn. Cheers!
And hey, if you try any of these recipes, let me know how they turned out! Got any other fun cider ideas? Share ’em in the comments. Happy fall, y’all!