Apple cider just has a wonderful aroma that smells like childhood. Homemade apple cider is always a favorite fall beverage, especially during Halloween. Whether you're looking to mix some impressive spiced cider cocktails for your Halloween party, or if you are just trying to warm your insides after a cold walk home from the bus stop. Homemade Apple cider is a fall treat that is easy to concoct and makes a great, homemade drink during autumn weather. Apple cider, is an American tradition and one of the best things to look forward to while Halloween is in the air. Whether you prefer it alcoholic or non-alcoholic, hot or cold; its a wonderful hot drink for spooky nights or just about any moment you want a treat. This easy, homemade apple cider recipe is perfect for all occasions, especially for your Halloween ghosts and ghouls.
This easy, semi-homemade apple cider, comparable to cider most guzzled at the Grand Lake Farmers Market in Oakland is spicy, sweet, and brings out the best part of any good cider; the apple. It can be made as hard cider or soft cider, meaning that it just means alcoholic or non-alcoholic. To make alcoholic, make cider as usual, adding Calvados spiced apple brandy at the end. This drink is best served hot and is sure to be a hit this fall or winter season.
Hard Spiced Apple Cider (Calvados is optional)
- 6 c. apple juice
- 4 T packed brown sugar
- 2.5 tsp of ground spice or 12 whole allspice berries
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground nutmeg (place allspice and nutmeg in cheesecloth if possible)
- 8 whole cloves
- Four 3-inch cinnamon sticks, broken in half
- 1apple of your choice, cored and sliced
- 1 c. (or so) Calvados - optional, makes this a hard cider
Directions:
- Over medium heat combine the apple cider, the brown sugar the allspice or allspice berries, the nutmeg, the cloves, the cinnamon sticks and the apple cored and sliced.
- Cover the pan and turn down heat when the mixture hits a simmer. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes and then take it off the heat.
- Add the Cavados, stirring it slowly into the homemade apple cider mixture.
- Place back on stove, uncovered and re-heat to a warm temperature.
- Strain the mixture to remove large allspice and nut meg pieces.
- Pour into glasses and serve with a few slices of the cut apples.
Make sure to store in a glass container and re-heat if you so desire, that is if there is any cider left over.
More great fall recipes:
Best Pumpkin Pie from Scratch Recipe
Halloween Cocktails Perfect for Your Party
