Her Favorite Fall Sip ~ Spiced Apple Cider

23 Feb, 2012

Guys it’s really starting to get chilly. Frost warnings are popping up across the great state of Nebraska which means it’s officially time to embrace the cold.

I know, I know. My husband hates it, too.

But it’s not all bad. Remember the day will come when the temps are back up into the 100s. For now, I will embrace this glorious short fall season with a hot spiced apple cider.

I have favorite seasonal drinks and this is by far my favorite fall sip. The recipe I follow is something my mom has been making for years. We served this back in the 90s when mom and dad opened “Pumpkin Pandemonium.” It was our own little pumpkin patch for the county. I LOVED sipping on this drink waiting for customers to come back with their favorite pumpkins.

Sigh. What a fun time.

Even though the patch has been closed for many years, I still bring back the cider each fall. Usually it shows up at a football game and it’s always served at Thanksgiving.

It’s a very versatile little drink. I believe it’s best served warm but you can easily keep it cold for the kids. You can also add extra SPICE with a bit of peach schnapps. (That’s what usually goes into ours during the holiday season!)

Below is mom’s recipe. Usually I just “throw” spices in there, but I tried to come up with something for you to follow. There are so many similar recipes floating around the web ~ I decided to post those, too. Enjoy!

Mom’s Spiced Apple Cider

1/2 gallon apple cider (more or less depending on your serving size)

5-10 cloves

3-5 cinnamon sticks

1/4 – 1/2 cup brown sugar

a bit of allspice, too – if you have it.

*Optional: peach schnapps or rum!

*Optional: orange slices for garnish

I usually throw all the ingredients into a crock pot and let simmer throughout the day. Mom puts the spices into a cheesecloth thing? (what the heck is that, mom?) that holds them all together so you don’t get chunks of clove in your drink. Either way works. Serve in a fancy mug while wearing a chunky brown sweater and boots. (That part is optional, but I really think the drink tastes better if you do!)

Here’s a few more recipes I found floating around the Web!

Hot Butter Spice Apple Cider