Total time
40 min
Servings
4
Calories
140.8
Category
Beverages
Warm up on a chilly winter evening with this Hot Spiced Cranberry Apple Cider, a cozy beverage that blends tart cranberry juice with sweet apple cider and aromatic spices. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or a quiet night in.
Ingredients
Makes 4 servings
- 3 cranberry juice cocktail
- 1 1/2 apple cider
- 3 sugar
- 4 fresh ginger
- 5 cardamom pods
- 12 black peppercorns
- 2 cloves
Method
Combine all ingredients except garnish in a medium saucepan and simmer, covered, 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 20 minutes.
Strain through a sieve into a heatproof pitcher; pour into heatproof glasses.
Cook's notes
- For a deeper flavor, let the spices steep for up to 30 minutes before straining.
- Double the recipe for a crowd and keep warm in a slow cooker on low heat.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries, apple slices, and a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
Easy swaps
- Instead of cranberry juice cocktail, use unsweetened cranberry juice plus 2 tablespoons honey
- Instead of sugar, use maple syrup or brown sugar
- Instead of fresh ginger, use 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Frequently asked
Can I use pre-ground spices instead of whole?
Yes, but reduce the amount by half and skip the straining step. Expect a slightly cloudier drink.
Can I make this non-alcoholic?
This recipe is already non-alcoholic. For an adult version, add a splash of bourbon or rum after straining.
How can I make it less sweet?
Use unsweetened cranberry juice and reduce the sugar to 1 tablespoon, adjusting to taste.
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