Like most of our beloved winter drinks apple cider is now conveniently available in packets that can be added to hot water for instant holiday cheer. If you have never tried a homemade version this stuff isn’t too bad (just don’t read the label to discover how many of the ingredients came from a science lab), but once you’ve had the real stuff it just doesn’t compare. The fresher the juice the more nutrients and flavor the drink will contain, if sweet apples were used then it will not even need any added sugars. The downside to fruit juice is that since it has been removed from the fiber it was originally paired with when it was a whole fruit, the sugars it contains will hit the blood stream faster and harder, having a more extreme effect on blood sugar levels. This can be abated by having it as a snack with a handful or two of spiced nuts, another seasonal offering that has enough fat and protein to slow down digestion and the resulting sugar hit.
The spiced cider can be made in advance, strained and then stored in the refrigerator and reheated slowly in a pot on the stove. If you spend time out frolicking in the snow this is a nice, warming drink to come home to. A splash of brandy or rum will help you unthaw even quicker.
- 4 cups fresh apple juice (8-12 apples depending on their size and the juicer; sweeter varieties like gala, ambrosia and honeycrisp are best)
- 4 allspice berries
- 4 cardamom pods
- 4 cinnamon quills
- 4 cloves
- 2 chunks of fresh ginger (each around the size of one teaspoon)
- 2 mandarin oranges, sliced
- Place the juice, allspice, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and ginger in a large pot over the stove on low heat. Check it after a few minutes to make sure it is warming up, it needs to be warm enough to draw out the flavors of the spices but not to the point where it is boiling or more of the nutrients from the juice will be lost. Taste test after 15 minutes and if that spice level is potent enough add in the orange slices and continue to heat for 5 minutes, if you want a bit more spice leave it for 10 more minutes before adding the orange for a final 5 minutes. Strain out the fruit and spices and discard them.
- You can garnish the cups with a cinnamon quill and slice of orange on the inside and/or an orange wedge on the rim.
