Warm Up with DIY Spicy Apple Cider This Holiday Season

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of simmering apples, cinnamon, and cloves to make your home feel festive. This holiday season, skip the store-bought mixes and create your own DIY spicy apple cider—a blend that warms the body and soul. Whether you’re hosting loved ones or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, our #Cavegirl simple recipe brings together the flavors of tradition with a homemade touch. With just a few simple ingredients, you can brew a festive beverage that captures the spirit of the season.

🍎 Ingredients (makes about 12 servings):

12 medium apples (Mix tart -Granny Smith and sweet -Honeycrisp, Fuji for depth.)
2 oranges (sliced, peel optional)
4 cinnamon sticks
2–4 inch piece fresh ginger
1 tablespoon whole cloves
5 star anise cloves
16 cups water (enough to cover fruit by 1–2 inches)
½–¾ cup sweetener (brown sugar, white sugar, or maple syrup)
2 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
Pinch of salt

🥣 Instructions:

Combine ingredients: Place apples, oranges, cinnamon, cloves, and any optional spices in a large stockpot. Cover with water.
Simmer gently: Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 2 hours until apples are soft and fragrant.
Mash for flavor: Use a potato masher or spoon to crush softened fruit against the pot’s sides. Simmer another 30–60 minutes for deeper flavor.
Strain well: Pour through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean pot. Press solids to extract all liquid, then discard pulp and spices.
Sweeten & balance: Stir in sweetener while warm and add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar if you’d like brightness and an extra kick.
Serve or store: Enjoy hot with orange slices and cinnamon sticks. Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months

🍎 Whiskey Apple Cider

Ingredients:

8 cups apple cider
2–3 cinnamon sticks
1–2 inch piece fresh ginger
4–6 whole cloves
¼ cup brown sugar or maple syrup
1½–2 cups whiskey (bourbon or rye works beautifully)

Method:

Simmer cider with spices for 20–30 minutes.
Sweeten Cider with sugar or maple syrup.
Stir in Whiskey
Serve hot in mugs or chilled over ice.
This creates a warming, spiced drink perfect for autumn evenings or holiday gatherings.

🌟 Variations You Can Try

Cinnamon Whiskey Cider: Use Fireball or another cinnamon whiskey for extra spice.
Cider Whiskey Sour: Add lemon juice and a dash of bitters for a tart, refreshing twist.
Apple Pie Cocktail: Mix cider, bourbon, lemon juice, and nutmeg for dessert-like richness.
Punch Style: Make a large batch with cider, whiskey, orange slices, and soda water for parties.