Apple Cider is a must for fall and winter. The usual recipe takes hours of simmering on the stove. But this hot apple cider recipe I created only takes 20 minutes and uses the natural sugars from the apples without having to add processed sugar. It is perfect for present wrapping or after an afternoon of skating or sledding.
Originally apple cider is made with a variety of apples. For this recipe, I used a bunch of Gala and other apples I had on hand. I think it really creates a nice flavor using a variety of apples. You can use any apples you have on hand.
Spices
Apple cider is known for its spices! And the amazing part is you can add and omit the spices to your liking. I used cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and ginger in this recipe. The wonderful thing about spices is that they are also packed with amazing properties.
Cinnamon– I love this spice because it helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Cloves– contain a compound called eugenol, which has been shown to act as a natural antioxidant.
Ginger– has possible health benefits include reducing nausea, pain, and inflammation.
Sugar in juices
Yes, this recipe is still a juice, even though I used freshly squeezed apples there is still a lot of sugar in apple cider. But this is naturally occurring sugar from the apples, verses added white sugar. So if you are wanting a healthier apple cider to the traditional version this would be a great choice.
You can also sip on this homemade apple cider after having some protein to help slow down sugar absorption, keeping your blood sugar levels in check. I believe life is about balance and having our favorite things! I know juice gets a bad rep. And I don’t usually drink it often but when I want some apple cider for present wrapping I have it with love!
This was a favorite of mine as a kid but I remember mine coming out of a bag and made with powder. So I was happy that I can up with this quick easy recipe that I could have that did involve “powdered apples”.
No Juicer? No problem.
You do need a juicer for this recipe. You can buy pressed organic apple juice from the store. Just make sure it is the one that is deep and rich in color and says pressed organic apple juice. The apple juices with the bright yellow juice won’t give it the same flavor.
If you are in need of a juicer I love my Breville juicer for apples.
Let me know how you enjoyed this recipe by tagging me in your creations on IG @crystalhughes or write a comment below.
This recipe would go amazing with my Vegan Gluten-Free Brownies for a treat.
Happy Sipping,
Crystal
Crystal Hughes
Yields 5 servings
This quick 20 minute hot apple cider will have you warm in no time. Made with fresh apples and whole spices this recipe will be a family favourite. And unlike the traditional recipe it won't take hours of simmering time. Perfect drink to sip on while you are decorating the Christmas tree or warming up after a cold fall or winter hike.
5 min
15 min
20 minTotal Time
Save RecipeIngredients
- 15 apples of your choice
- 2 navel oranges (peeled)
- 1 lemon (peeled)
- 4 4 inch sticks of cinnamon
- 12 whole cloves
- 4 star anise
- 1/2 inch ginger root peeled
- 1-2 cups water
Instructions
- Juice your apples, lemon and oranges in a juicer and pour into a large sauce pan. Add in cinnamon, cloves, star anise, ginger, peel of 1 orange, and 1 cup of water. Bring to boil and reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- If too sweet you can add more water to dilute.
- Strain out spices and orange peel.
- Serve hot with a stick of cinnamon.
