Spiced Autumn Cranberry Cider
Embrace the cozy vibes of fall and winter with this delightful Spiced Autumn Cranberry Cider. Infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon and cloves, this invigorating beverage is the perfect companion for chilly evenings by the fireplace. Imagine wrapping yourself in a soft blanket, sipping on this sweet and tangy concoction that balances tart cranberry juice with the comforting sweetness of apple cider. A splash of lemon juice adds a refreshing zing, making it a favorite for gatherings with friends and family or quiet nights in.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Apple cider or apple juice
1 quart (none)
Cranberry juice cocktail
32 ounces (none)
Lemon juice
1/2 cup (like Realemon)
Light brown sugar
1/3 cup (firmly packed)
Whole cloves
8 (none)
Cinnamon sticks
2 (none)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, combine the apple cider (or juice), cranberry juice cocktail, lemon juice, light brown sugar, whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks.
2
Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it starts to boil.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse their flavors.
4
Carefully remove the cloves and cinnamon sticks from the mixture.
5
Serve the cider warm in mugs, garnishing with a cinnamon stick if desired, and enjoy the comforting flavors of fall.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Autumn Cranberry Cider?
It is a warm, invigorating fall and winter beverage made by simmering apple cider, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and brown sugar with whole cloves and cinnamon sticks.
What are the main ingredients for this cider?
The ingredients include apple cider or juice, cranberry juice cocktail, lemon juice, light brown sugar, whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks.
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 quart of apple cider or 1 quart of apple juice.
How much cranberry juice is needed?
You will need 32 ounces of cranberry juice cocktail for this recipe.
What kind of lemon juice should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of lemon juice, specifically mentioning options like Realemon.
How much brown sugar is added to the cider?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of firmly packed light brown sugar.
Do I use ground spices or whole spices?
This recipe uses whole spices: 8 whole cloves and 2 cinnamon sticks.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What is the first step in preparing the cider?
In a large saucepan, combine the apple cider, cranberry juice cocktail, lemon juice, brown sugar, cloves, and cinnamon sticks.
At what heat should I start cooking the mixture?
Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it reaches a boil.
How long should the cider simmer?
Once it boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes.
Should the saucepan be covered while simmering?
No, the instructions specify to simmer the mixture uncovered.
Do I leave the cloves and cinnamon sticks in when serving?
No, you should carefully remove the cloves and cinnamon sticks before serving.
How is the cider served?
The cider should be served warm in mugs.
Are there any suggested garnishes?
You can garnish the mugs with an additional cinnamon stick if desired.
What is the flavor profile of this beverage?
It is a balance of sweet and tangy flavors with warm, spicy notes of cinnamon and cloves.
Is this drink suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is designed for fall and winter, especially for chilly evenings.
Can I make this for a holiday gathering?
Yes, its seasonal flavors and warm temperature make it a favorite for family gatherings.
How many cinnamon sticks are boiled in the cider?
The recipe calls for 2 cinnamon sticks to be added to the saucepan.
How many whole cloves are required?
You will need 8 whole cloves.
Does the recipe contain alcohol?
No, this is a non-alcoholic beverage recipe.
What type of saucepan should I use?
A large saucepan is recommended to hold all the liquid ingredients.
What is the preparation for the brown sugar?
The 1/3 cup of light brown sugar should be firmly packed.
Can I use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, while the recipe mentions Realemon, fresh lemon juice can also be used.
Is this cider very sweet?
The sweetness from the apple cider and 1/3 cup of brown sugar is balanced by the tartness of the cranberry and lemon juices.
How long does the entire process take?
The preparation takes approximately 15-20 minutes, including boiling and simmering time.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve a larger group of 16 people.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Beverages.
Is there any nutritional information available?
Specific nutritional values like calories and fat are not provided for this recipe.
Why do you simmer the mixture?
Simmering allows the whole spices—cloves and cinnamon—to properly infuse their flavors into the liquid.