Christmas is the perfect time to cozy up with a warm and comforting drink. Apple cider is a traditional favorite that brings warmth, cheer, and nostalgia to the holiday season. Whether you're sipping your own homemade brew or picking up a store-bought bottle, this sweet and spiced beverage is sure to put you in the festive mood!
Apple cider is typically made with fresh apples and a blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and cloves. The apples are ether boiled or pressed to extract the juice. This can then be combined with sugar or honey and other flavorings for an added sweetness. Some ciders are also combined with other juices like cranberry for an even more festive flavor.
To really get into the spirit of Christmas, try making your own mulled cider at home! Start by combining apple cider (either store-bought or homemade) with orange juice in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add in some cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, nutmeg, cloves, and even star anise if desired. Once everything has been combined and is simmering nicely on the stovetop (be sure to stir occasionally), add in some brown sugar or honey for a touch of sweetness. Finally, stir in some brandy or dark rum for an extra kick!
This deliciously spiced mulled cider makes for great wintertime entertaining – just keep it warm on low heat throughout the evening, so guests can help themselves to as much as they'd like! You can also serve it cold as wassail – just make sure to chill it first before serving over ice.
Whatever way you decide to enjoy your apple cider this holiday season, it's sure to bring warmth and cheer into your home! So grab some friends (or just yourself!) and settle down by the fire with a mug of this Christmassy goodness – cheers!
What Ingredients Are Used to Make Christmas Cider?
Christmas cider is made from apple juice, cinnamon, allspice, apples, cranberries, and orange slices. To make it extra festive, the apples and cranberries can be simmered in the apple juice to give it a rich flavor and aroma. The orange slices provide a tart kick while the cinnamon and allspice add a warm cozy flavor that is perfect for the holiday season. When it's all done simmering together, you have a delicious and festive Christmas cider that is sure to please!
What Alcohols Complement Apple Cider?
Apple cider is a delicious beverage that pairs well with a variety of spirits. Darker spirits, such as whiskey, rum, bourbon, and brandy all work wonderfully with the sweetness of apple cider. If you're looking for something a bit lighter, try pairing it with vodka in its plain form or with some added flavors like citrus or ginger. You could also opt for something more unexpected like mezcal or tequila. The possibilities are almost endless! Mix and match to find the combination that works best for you.
Drinking Apple Cider: Hot or Cold?
The decision to drink apple cider hot or cold is entirely up to personal preference! If you choose to drink it cold, you can enjoy it straight from the bottle or glass. If you prefer your cider hot, you can warm it up by heating a mug of cider in the microwave for a few minutes, or on the stovetop for aout 10 minutes. You can also enhance the flavor of your hot cider by adding a stick of cinnamon or a few cloves to the mug before heating. No matter which way you decide to enjoy your apple cider, it's sure to be delicious!
Conclusion
Apple cider is the perfect Christmas drink! Whether you choose to serve it as traditional wassail, spiced cider, or mulled cider, it's sure to add a festive and flavorful touch to your holiday gathering. Apple cider can be enjoyed with or without alcohol, and it pairs well with dark spirits such as rum, whiskey, bourbon, brandy, or any other of your favorite spirits. With its delicious flavor and warm aroma, apple cider is sure to make your holiday season merry and bright.
