Spiced apple cider
Tuesday, October 13, 2009 | Karen Howes Trying to get into an autumn-y, Christmas-will-be-here-in-a couple-of-months state of mind; having a hard time, however, due mainly to the temperatures still reaching the 90's every day. It would be so much easier to get into the spirit if it were a bit... cooler.
I thought some doctored-up spiced apple cider would be a good start, so I made some last night before bed in spite of the stubborn heat. Here's what I did:
Poured some store-bought apple cider into a microwavable mug.
Added a teaspoon of pure maple syrup.
Added a few (about four) crushed Allspice berries.
Added a pinch of nutmeg.
Added 3 cloves.
Added a cinnamon stick.
Microwaved it for about 2 minutes, and stirred.
Strained cider into another mug to catch Allspice and clove bits, but transferred the cinnamon stick to the second mug.
Delightful.
Reader Comments (11)
Oh my!! That sounds soooooo good.
That sounds delicious, will definitely give that a go, thanks for sharing it.
Where's the alcohol?
It's missing Vodka...or if you really want to push the limit, Southern Comfort.
Leticia, it WAS good!
Gecko, you're very welcome. Nice to see you. :-)
Francis, not to worry-- you can add some Southern Comfort or rum (or vodka???) to the recipe if you want a kick or a good night's sleep.
Dr. Dave, I'm feeling the Southern Comfort, but vodka? Ah well, I shouldn't be surprised-- if you add a bit of vodka to a glass of milk and add sugar, it tastes for all this world like vanilla milk.
The is the time of year my husband will dig up sassafras root and we'll brew it all day on the woodstove and each have a cup in the evenings with a shot of Beam and a dash of honey or sugar, but your cider would certainly be a good replacement!
No alcohol in the apple cider for me, hon. Alcohol seems to have the opposite effect unless I overdo it. It wakes me up. The cider does sound good and I think I'll try it. :)
Nancz, give it a go and let me know what you think.
RaDena, I understand. Alcohol makes me sleepy, but makes some other family members of mine obnoxious...
By the way, ya'll, I tried it again, this time crushing the Allspice and adding a few cloves. Also put the cinnamon stick into the mug BEFORE microwaving. Think it came out even better. Updated recipe.
Yeah, i was thinking the same thing, where's the alcohol. :)
geez, everyone is sigleminded here on the cidar. lol
i was just going to say, "spiced" ohh, i thought it said "spiked" lol
me, i'm just awaitin for egg nog season so that i can finish the bottle of kaluah that i bought last thanksgivin.
MK, LOL-- I was afraid I'd appear to be a lush. :-) Brandy, Southern Comfort, rum, or-- if you trust Dr. Dave-- vodka will all do nicely.
Griper, spiked is good too. :-) I have a mulled wine recipe that I plan to try out, now that the weather has finally started to cool.