Fall Hot Apple Cider with Ginger
Hot apple cider with a cozy country twist: fresh ginger. It adds a subtle zing that complements the warm spices and gives the classic flavors more depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: about 16 servings
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 gallon fresh apple cider (unfiltered for a rustic feel)
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1 small knob fresh ginger (about 2 inches), peeled and sliced
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 8 whole cloves
- 1 whole star anise
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
- 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 cup bourbon, rum, or brandy for a spiked version
Instructions
- In a large pot or slow cooker, pour in the apple cider. Add the orange slices, apple slices, ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and allspice berries.
- Heat over medium until it begins to simmer. Once it reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer 30 minutes to an hour so the ginger and spices infuse deeply.
- Taste and add maple syrup or honey if you want it sweeter. Stir in the vanilla extract for added warmth.
- If you are adding alcohol, pour it in just before serving.
- Strain out the spices, fruit, and ginger. Ladle into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick or a thin slice of orange.
Notes
This holds beautifully on warm in a slow cooker all afternoon, which makes it perfect for a crowd.