Apple cider recipes

Cold winter days call for warm mugs of apple cider. Though plain apple cider will suffice, spicing up your wintery quaff will make your apple cider sipping all the more enjoyable. Here are three apple cider recipes warmly infused with spices and more.

Apple Brandy Cider

Serves 8Apple cider and apple brandy are made for each other in this spirited holiday drink.

Ingredients:
2 quarts apple cider
1 cup apple brandy
3 cinnamon sticks
2 teaspoons whole cloves
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions:
Place all ingredients in a large saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Lower heat and simmer for at least 15 minutes. Keep cider simmering on low until ready to serve. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into mugs.

Cranberry Orange Apple Cider

Serves 8A festive combination of fruit flavors and spices, this is a welcome drink that you’ll love sipping from a mug.

Ingredients:
2 quarts apple cider
1 cup cranberry juice
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon whole allspice
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
4 cinnamon sticks
Juice and zest of a large orange

Directions:
Place all ingredients in a large saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. To serve, strain through a fine mesh sieve into mugs.

Buttered Curry Apple Cider

Serves 8 Richly flavored and uniquely spiced with curry, this is a cider ideal for recovery after a long day on the slopes or for surprising your holiday guests at your next get together. For an extra special drink, add a shot of rum to every mug before topping them off with the curry butter.

Ingredients:
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
1-1/2 teaspoons yellow curry powder
2 quarts apple cider

Directions:
In a small bowl, mash butter and curry together until well combined. Place apple cider in a large saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Lower heat and keep cider warm until ready to serve. Ladle cider into mugs and top with a tablespoon of curry butter.

Even more holiday drinks to sip and savor

Five holiday drinks you don’t want to miss
Seven drinks to warm your week
New Year’s Eve cocktails