Hot Caramel Apple Cider
What You Need:
1/2 gallon apple cider (64 oz or 8 C)
1/2 C orange juice, fresh squeezed if possible
1 orange
8 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1/4 t ground allspice
1/3 C jarred caramel sauce
Optional:
Spiced Rum (As much or as little as you like!)
Caramel flavored syrup
Whipped cream
What You Do:
Pour 8 cups of apple cider into a large stock pot on the stove. Set heat to medium-high. Add orange juice, cinnamon sticks, and allspice.
Thoroughly wash your orange and then gently press the whole cloves into it. If you find it hard to do that without destroying the cloves, use a toothpick to poke holes in the orange first and then insert the cloves. (If doubling the recipe, you can still use one orange; just double the number of cloves you put into it).
Gently drop the whole orange into the pot. Bring cider to a boil and then reduce heat to a low simmer. Simmer on low for 60 minutes and longer if you wish. If you’re keeping the pot on the stove for an extended period, keep an eye on the orange. If at any time it splits open, remove it from the pot. If the white is exposed it will add a bitter taste to your cider. (If you’re going to have the pot warming for hours on end, take out the orange.) After you’ve simmered for an hour, add caramel sauce and stir to combine and dissolve. Add more caramel to taste if needed.
When ready to serve, ladle into mugs, top with whipped cream, and give it a drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Variation:
Feeling fancy? Try these super cute (and incredibly easy!) apple cups for your cider! Simply hollow out your favorite apples (we love honeycrisp in the fall!), fill with cider, and garnish with caramel and a cinnamon stick!
Apple Cider Champagne Sangria
What You Need:
- 3 honey crisp apples, sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup halved dried figs
- 1 cup Cabernet Sauvignon (or any fruity red wine you have on hand)
- 3 cups apple cider
- 4 whole cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 tbsp whole cloves
- 1/8 tsp grated nutmeg
Garnish: Fruity champagne
What You Do:
- In a tall pitcher, add all ingredients. Mix and refrigerate overnight.
- To serve, add sangria in a lovely glass and top it with some bubbly champagne!