Ingredients and Weight:
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup cinnamon sticks (2-3 sticks)
- 1/4 cup whole cloves (about 20)
- 1/4 cup fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1-inch piece)
- 1/4 cup star anise (3-4 whole stars)
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Difficulty Level:
2 (Easy)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the cider, orange juice, honey, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and star anise.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the cider is fragrant and spices have steeped.
- Strain the cider into a clean pot or container, discarding the solids.
Nutritional Information:
(Per 8-ounce serving, without honey)
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 10mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 29g
Dish Characteristics:
- Warm, aromatic, and subtly sweet
- Festive and perfect for fall and winter gatherings
- Pairs well with cinnamon sticks or orange slices for garnish
User Comments:
- "This cider is absolutely delicious! The spices give it a perfect blend of sweetness and warmth."
- "I love making this for my holiday parties. It's so easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser."
- "I've substituted the honey with maple syrup and it works great too, giving it a slightly different flavor profile."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- If you don't have star anise, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of ground star anise.
- Be careful not to over-simmer the cider as it can become too concentrated.
- Store the cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
