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Kid-Friendly Spiced Orange Cinnamon Cider

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This Kid-Friendly Spiced Orange Cinnamon Cider is a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy drink that comes together in under 20 minutes. Perfect for cozy family nights, it uses simple pantry ingredients and is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 2 cups fresh orange juice (about 4–5 oranges)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 orange, sliced into rounds
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3 whole cloves
  • Optional: 1 star anise

Instructions

  1. Combine the liquids: Pour the apple cider and fresh orange juice into a large pot. Turn the heat to medium-high and let it start warming up until little bubbles form around the edges.
  2. Add the honey and vanilla: Drizzle in the honey and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the honey is completely dissolved, about 1 minute.
  3. Toss in the whole spices: Drop in the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise if using. Stir well.
  4. Add the orange slices: Lay the orange rounds into the pot. They will release their oils as they warm.
  5. Sprinkle in the nutmeg: Dust the ground nutmeg over the top and stir it in gently.
  6. Simmer gently: Turn the heat to low once the cider is hot but not boiling. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, with tiny bubbles breaking the surface.
  7. Taste and adjust: After 15 minutes, taste and add more honey or cinnamon if desired.
  8. Strain if desired: For a smoother cider, pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a serving pitcher. Otherwise, leave the spices and orange slices in for presentation.
  9. Serve warm: Ladle the cider into mugs, making sure each gets a cinnamon stick and orange slice if left in. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not let the cider boil; gentle simmering is key. Use cinnamon sticks instead of ground cinnamon to avoid cloudiness and grittiness. Fresh orange juice provides the best brightness. The cider can be made ahead and kept warm in a slow cooker on low for up to 2 hours. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: spiced orange cinnamon cider, kid-friendly cider, homemade cider, fall drink, warm cider, easy cider recipe

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/kid-friendly-spiced-orange-cinnamon-cider-easy-homemade-recipe/