Apple Cider Bar

Celebrate the season with an apple cider bar or just a mug of our favorite spiced apple cider.  It is an easy and fun way to entertain your guests this fall.

Spiced Apple Cider

I have been making this apple cider for years and I think it is the one recipe I can be sure my kids will text me for every fall (not sure why they just can’t check the blog!) Whether you are just making a cup for yourself or putting together an apple cider bar for a party, this recipe is the best. I always serve it at annual Halloweenie Roast too.

Hot Apple Cider Ingredients

• Apple Cider. I have also used apple juice and honestly, can’t tell much of a difference once I add the brown sugar and orange juice to it.
• Orange Juice. I have substituted it with pineapple juice before.
• Brown Sugar
• Cinnamon Sticks
• Cloves and Allspice. I use them in the whole form.

How To Make Apple Cider

1. Mix together cider, orange juice, sugar and spices in a pan.
2. Bring to a boil and then turn down to a simmer.
3. Simmer for at least 30 minutes.

After it has simmered for a while, it can develop a little bit of a “sludge” at the bottom. I will just add in some more apple cider without adding anything else to help stretch and thin out the cider if it gets too sludgy.

Cider Bar Ingredients

In addition to hot apple cider I always have some fun toppings that can be added to the apple cider including:

• Whipped Cream
• Caramel Sauce
• Caramel Bits
• Cinnamon Sticks

For more ideas and another fun Hot Apple Cider Bar idea check out this post.

How To Serve Spiced Apple Cider

Pour cider into a mug and then top it with some whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce just like the local coffee shop. You can use store bought caramel sauce or make this homemade version. Add a few caramel bits on top and a cinnamon stick to stir with.

I think it’s better than the Starbuck version!

Secret To Delicious Apple Cider

Secret #1 Let it brew for as long as possible.  The longer it brews the deeper the flavor. This allows the spices to really infuse the apple cider.

Secret #2 The secret ingredients in my spiced apple cider are brown sugar and orange juice.  When I made it this week for a girls craft night I was hosting I realized I didn’t have any orange juice but I did have pineapple juice so I used that instead and it was still wonderful!

Add a cinnamon stick for stirring and you’ve got the perfect way to keep warm and enjoy a delicious treat.  In addition to the hot cider, I love to have a few sweet treats for dunking such as doughnuts and shortbread cookies.

Can I Make Cider Ahead of Time?

This is a great make ahead drink. You can make it a few days ahead of time and then just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

To decorate your apple cider bar all you’ll need are some apples and a few branches from outside. Mine are from my neighbor’s apple tree! 

Can I Make Apple Cider In The Crock Pot?

This recipe works great in the slow cooker. Just allow it to simmer on high for 30 minutes and then turn it down to low.

Other favorite drink ideas:

• Homemade Egg Nog
• Peppermint Egg Nog
• White Hot Chocolate
• Mint Hot Chocolate
• Cider Hot Chocolate
• Frozen Hot Chocolate

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Spiced Apple Cider Recipe

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