Description
A warm and comforting fall spiced apple cider infused with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and a hint of nutmeg, topped with a decadent caramel drizzle. Perfect for cozy autumn evenings and easy to make in one pot.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (950 ml) fresh, unfiltered apple cider
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6–8 whole cloves
- 1–2 star anise
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 medium orange, sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ cup (60 ml) caramel sauce (store-bought salted caramel or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Pour the apple cider into a large pot.
- Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, sliced ginger, and orange slices.
- Add brown sugar and vanilla extract if using. Stir gently to start dissolving the sugar.
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring the cider to a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling.
- Cover partially with a lid and let the spices infuse for 10 to 15 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and strain out the spices and orange slices using a fine mesh strainer or slotted spoon.
- Pour the smooth cider into mugs or heatproof glasses.
- Slowly drizzle caramel sauce over the top of each mug.
- Optionally, garnish with a cinnamon stick or a thin orange slice and serve warm.
Notes
Do not boil the cider to avoid bitterness. Use whole spices for a clear cider without grit. Adjust sweetness after simmering. Add caramel drizzle just before serving. Reheat leftovers gently on low heat. For adults, add a tablespoon of bourbon per mug for a cozy kick. For a vegan version, use dairy-free caramel or maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 10
- Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Protein: 0.3
Keywords: fall spiced apple cider, caramel drizzle, autumn drink, cozy drink, warm cider, spiced cider, easy cider recipe