Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 150kcal
Cost: 7
Equipment
- 1 Cast Iron Enamel 7 Quart Crock
- 1 Slow Cooker optional
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Apple Juice (1 quart)
- 2 Cups Orange Juice (1 pint)
- 3 Cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 tsp Whole Cloves (about 20 cloves)
Optional
- 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg
- 4 whole Star anise
- 2 whole Cardamom pods. lightly crushed
- 6 whole Allspice berries.
- 4 pieces Orange or apple slices, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp Pure maple syrup, to taste, for added sweetness
Instructions
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, combine the apple juice and orange juice. Heat for 5 to 7 minutes, until steaming with small bubbles around the edge of the pot.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, cardamom pods, allspice berries, ground nutmeg, apple slices, and orange slices. Stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until fragrant and gently steaming. Do not boil.
- Taste and stir in maple syrup, if desired. Remove from the heat.
- Strain the cider through a fine-mesh strainer. Serve immediately in heat-safe mugs with cinnamon sticks or dried orange slices, if desired.
Notes
- Slow cooker method: Combine all ingredients in a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Cook on low for 2 to 3 hours or on high for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Keep warm for serving, then remove the spices after about 3 hours.
- Make ahead: Prepare the cider up to 2 days ahead. Strain it, cool it promptly, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving.
- Storage: Refrigerate cooled leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Freeze strained cider for up to 3 months.
- Spiced variation: Add 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries with the apple and orange slices for a tart cranberry-orange cider.
- Alcohol-free hosting: Keep the cider alcohol-free in the pot. Offer bourbon, dark rum, brandy, or whiskey separately for adults who would like to add it to their own mug.
- Best practice: Whole spices give the cleanest flavor. Do not leave them in the cider for extended storage, or the drink can turn bitter.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 419mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 187IU | Vitamin C: 58mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 1mg
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