Hot Spiced Apple Cider



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As autumn begins to make its way into the picture, it is natural to feel depressed at the thought of losing those extra hours of sunlight, cold gloomy weather, and dark mornings and evenings. If you are already plotting how to escape the frigid drudgery of Winter, it is the best time to embrace the Danish lifestyle of Hygge.

At its core, the Scandinavian term Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) cannot be translated to a single word in English but encompasses a feeling of coziness, contentment, and an appreciation for the simple pleasures of life. The warm and cozy lifestyle that hygge promotes has been a key part of Danish culture since the early 1800s and has over the years been adapted by rest of the world.
For me, fall hygge is all about taking the time to slow down, enjoying the company of loved ones and creating my own cozy haven. This Hot Spiced Apple Cider is the perfect companion to celebrate the apple season and take you all through the fall and winter months.
Apple cider is simmered with mulling spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and orange slices to produce a fragrant spiced beverage that hits all the cozy notes!

This version is easy, made with a handful of ingredients, and has no added sugar, allowing the natural sweetness of the apples to shine. Oh, and did I mention the fragrant aroma that will waft through your entire house when a pot of this simmers on the stove?
If you love this recipe, try one of these cozy fall treats next:
Can I add alcohol to this homemade apple cider?

Feel free to add any kind of alcohol for a boozy drink. Popular choices include rum, brandy and whiskey.Whiskey will give the drink a spicier warm taste, while brandy, bourbon, and rum will give it a sweeter taste.


If you made this Hot Spiced Apple Cider, I would love to know how it turned out! Please let me know by leaving a comment below.



Ingredients:
  • 8 cups of apple cider or apple juice
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 7-8 whole cloves
  • 2 whole star anises
  • 1 orange, cut into thin slices

Instructions:
  1. Combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and sliced oranges in a large saucepan.
  2. Heat for 5 minutes over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes for more flavor.
  3. When the cider is done, strain the orange slices and all the spices.
  4. If you want to keep it hot, leave it on the stove on low heat. Do not leave the oranges in the pot after the cider is done. The oranges can take on a bitter flavor.
  5. Pour the cider into cups and garnish with sliced apples, cinnamon sticks and star anise. Enjoy!

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