apple juice Archives • A Sweet Pea Chef

Warm up the cold winter nights with this easy hot apple cider recipe that makes a perfectly spiced, healthy, and easy hot apple cider the whole family can enjoy. Without fail, I find I am so sad when the summer comes to an end because I think it is my favorite time of year. But, as the leaves begin to change, the weather starts to cool and I hear those familiar holiday tunes, I realize just how much I love the winter holiday season. I love the food, the time with family and the general hustle and bustle of life as it gets closer and closer to Christmas. I mean… who doesn’t get the urge to tap their feet to Jingle Bells, right? One way I love to celebrate the holiday season is to break out my easy hot apple cider recipe and share it with my family. I just love the smell of the cinnamon, oranges, cloves, and apples simmering away on the stove. It’s truly better than any candle you could buy. I also enjoy the excited look on Dustin’s face as I hand him a steaming mug of homemade apple cider. Though, I always have to tell him it’s too hot to drink right away cuz we both know he’s gonna go for it if I don’t tell him. Anyways, I hope you try out this easy apple cider recipe. It’s quick and delicious and will make your house smell like Christmas. Winner! HOW TO MAKE HOT APPLE CIDER This hot cider is really simple to make and tastes so yummy. It will warm your soul. Well, maybe that’s going a little far, but it will definitely hit the spot. Before we discuss how to make apple cider, let’s take a moment to talk about what is apple cider because more often than not people confuse apple cider with cider and sometimes even apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is vinegar made of fermented apple juice. Apple cider is a non-alcoholic beverage made from apples. Hot apple cider is a hot drink typically made with apple juice. I like to make hot apple cider by following these simple steps: combine spices with apple juice and cook over medium heat until the juice is aromatic; add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil; once the apple juice is boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes. WHAT’S IN APPLE CIDER? Wondering what hot apple cider is made of? Typically, an apple cider recipe requires… apples; water some spices and sometimes alcohol. It also often contains a lot of added sweeteners, like brown sugar or white sugar. My apple cider recipe is a tad different and it requires a few different ingredients. I just found this to be the best apple cider recipe I ever tried. I like my hot apple cider sweet, flavorful, and healthy, too. And this spiced cider recipe gives me exactly that. <--- LOVE Plus this homemade apple cider recipe is quicker and easier than other hot apple cider recipes. So, what’s in my apple cider? unsweetened apple juice; cloves; cinnamon sticks; black peppercorns; nutmeg; orange zest. You can add pure maple syrup (instead of sugar!) if you want the apple cider to be sweeter, but I find it plenty sweet with just the apple juice that is naturally sweetened. IS APPLE CIDER GOOD FOR YOU? I have good news. If you make it refined-sugar free, apple cider is not a nag choice for your health over the holidays. It's not something to go drink constantly, considering it is higher in sugars from the apple juice, but it's much healthier for you than regular hot apple cider recipes. Amazeballs. Now let’s discuss the apple cider benefits to celebrate the good news. Pssst...did you know apple cider: lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases; lowers the risk of developing asthma; lowers the risk of developing diabetes; lowers the risk of some forms of cancer. Not to mention apples and apple cider are a great source of antioxidants. HOW TO SERVE HOT APPLE CIDER After you remove the hot apple cider from the heat… strain it through a fine-meshed sieve; transfer to big cups or big mugs; garnish with orange slices, apple slices or cinnamon sticks for stirring; allow to cool slightly and enjoy! HOW LONG DOES APPLE CIDER LAST? To extend the shelf life of apple cider, strain it through a fine-meshed sieve and store it… in the fridge for 7-10 days; or in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 12 months. To store the apple cider in the freezer, transfer it into an airtight container. Make sure you leave ½ inch space at the top as apple cider expands when frozen. Easy Homemade Hot Apple Cider 3 MORE WINTER DRINK RECIPES I like this hot apple cider recipe during Winter but there are other winter drink recipes I like to make when the weather is cold. Winter drink recipes like my eggnog recipe or my hot chocolate mix recipes or my pumpkin spice latte. All these winter drinks will give you all the warm and cozy feelings. And they are yummy and healthy. LIGHT & HEALTHY NON-ALCOHOLIC EGGNOG (NON-DAIRY!) My Light & Healthy Non-Alcoholic Eggnog (Non-Dairy!) is just the perfect Winter drink. And it’s guilt-free. Plus non-alcoholic which means your kiddos can enjoy it too. The eggnog recipe makes a creamy, thick, smooth, and perfectly spiced eggnog. Get the recipe. HOW TO MAKE HOT CHOCOLATE MIX (THAT YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE!) Learn How To Make Hot Chocolate Mix (That Your Kids Will Love!) and never run out of hot chocolate mix. My chocolate mix is paleo, gluten-free, clean eating, and can be easily made vegan. It’s very easy to prep this homemade hot chocolate mix. All you need is cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla, sea salt, coconut sugar, and some milk. Get the recipe. HOMEMADE HEALTHY PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE RECIPE Last but by no means least - Homemade Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe. Pumpkin spice latte is not just for Fall, peeps. It’s a year-round affair if you learn how to make it at home. This DIY pumpkin spice latte is a delicious, healthy, and cheap way to enjoy your favorite coffee drink. Plus you can change up the ingredients and make this latte vegan, iced or decaf. Get the recipe. Hot Apple Cider Warm up the cold winter nights with this hot apple cider recipe that makes a perfectly spiced, healthy, and easy hot apple cider the whole family can enjoy. 3 cinnamon sticks1 tsp black peppercorns1/2 tsp whole cloves1/4 tsp ground nutmeg4 cups unsweetened apple juice1/2 tbsp. orange zestpure maple syrup, (optional for added sweetness) Combine spices in a sauce pan and cook over medium-high heat until aromatic, about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently.Add the nutmeg, and stir to combine. The, add in the apple juice and orange zest. Bring to a boil.Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, depending on how strong you like your cider.Pour juice through a fine-mesh sieve, into a mug. Allow to cool slightly. Combine spices and cook over medium high until aromatic. Add all remaining ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, depending on how strong you like your cider. Pour juice through a fine-meshed sieve, into a mug. Allow to cool slightly. This post contains affiliate links for products I use often and highly recommend.