Homemade Hot Spiced Citrus Apple Cider

One of my favorite things about fall, and winter is Hot Cider. Many times I just grab a cup, and heat up the cider in the microwave, but special occasions call for something a bit more, well, special. We go through the most amount of cider between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hot Cider simmering on the stove top not only gives me the warm and fuzzy Holiday feeling, but it also make the whole house smell wonderfully festive.

It is very easy to go overboard with the spices, so you might want to start out with less, and then add more to taste. This recipe is so easy to make. I am not always one to measure, and this recipe is the perfect example of that.

• Apple Cider
• Cinnamon Sticks
• Whole Cloves
• Clementines or Oranges

I usually heat up Cider by the 1/2 gallon or gallon. This recipe is for a gallon of Cider.

Pour the gallon of cider into a pot on the stove, simple, yes? Then add 1-2 cinnamon sticks and a good pinch of ground cloves – or about 8-12 whole cloves. For me, too much cloves is what ruins the spiced cider, if you like more that is fine too.

Juice 3-5 clementines or 2-3 large oranges, depending on your taste, and add to the mix. Simmer over medium heat for at least 15 minutes, or as long as it takes to drink it all. Sometimes we let the Spiced Citrus Cider simmer for several hours as family and friends come and go for an afternoon – and many times we have to make more!

If you want to add rum or brandy and make it a hot toddy, wait until you are ready to drink it as the alcohol will content will evaporate. Just add to the mug after serving the spiced cider. Enjoy!