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Sweet and subtly spiced this Elderflower spiced apple cider is a delicious take on a Christmas favorite! Alcoholic mulled wine version and non-alcoholic versions of a twist on classic mulled wine included.
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Hot and Spicy Elderflower Spiced Apple Cider
Christmastime is so full of special moments- and delicious foods and drinks. One of my all time favorites (and not even at Christmas- anytime it is cold) is spiced cider and mulled wine.
The best kind of holiday cocktails are those that can taste the same when made non-alcoholic, since so often holiday entertaining includes children, friends who don’t drink, and friends who are expecting– this recipe is delicious both with or without the booze, so everyone can enjoy!
How to make Elderflower Spiced Apple Cider
To make this cider assemble the following ingredients:
Apple cider – apple cider is the base of this, it is sweet and seasonal. If you don’t have apple cider in season you can add an equal amount of apple juice and 1 cup of applesauce.
Apple wine – this is very similar to a bottle of sparkling grape juice so you can substitute with that.
Saint germain – this liquor will add the elderflower flavor, for non-alcoholic add 1 cup elderflower juice.
Cointreau – this liquor has a lovely orange flavor for a non-alcoholic version add 1/2 cup orange juice.
Bittermilk No.2 Tom Collins with Elderflowers & Hops Cocktail Mixer – this can be found at liquor stores, there is no alcohol in this product
Mulling spices – see the tips and tricks below for how to make your own.
Orange – these add a nice color when added, make sure you slice them into rounds.
Apple – these add a nice color and texture to this cider. I love to eat them when they have soaked up the cider.
Cinnamon sticks – cinnamon sticks add a spicy festive flare to this cider.
Once you have assembled the ingredients use the following method.
- Slow cooker – Add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and heat on low for at least 1 hour. You can cook it longer if you like.
- Stir – stir occasionally to prevent the fruit from sticking to the bottom and burning. Serve this hot from the slow cooker.
Tips and Tricks for perfect Elderflower Spiced Apple Cider
Keep the alcohol separate for adults. If you are making this for a mixed age group, you can mix all the alcohol in a separate bowl and only give the adults access to it to spike their own.
Kick it up a notch. If you want your cider extra strong (for crazier holiday parties), spiced rum, whiskey, or even vodka go great in this mix.
You can adjust the ingredients. Add more orange or elderflower flavors, more or less mulling spices – whatever you like!
FAQs
Making your own mulling spices is simple, you will just need to combine: 1 crumbled dried orange, 1 crumbled dried lemon, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 tablespoon of whole allspice, 1 tablespoon of whole cloves, 1/2 tablespoon cardamom pods, 1/2 tablespoon of whole black peppercorns. Store in a jar for up to 6 months!
Yes, you can make this in a standard pot just don’t even bring the mixture to a boil. Simply simmer it in a pot on the stovetop for 1 hour before serving.
What to Enjoy with ELderflower Spiced Apple cider
Cheese: Aged cheddar, gouda, or brie cheese all pair well with apple cider. The creaminess of the cheese cuts through the tartness of the cider, and the flavors complement each other nicely. Check out how to make a cheese plate!
Spicy foods: Apple cider can also help to tame the heat of spicy foods. The sweetness of the cider helps to balance out the heat of the spices, and the acidity helps to cut through the richness of the food.
Pork: The sweetness of apple cider pairs well with the savory flavor of pork. Try serving a mug of apple cider alongside a pork roast, pork chops, or sausage.
Chicken: Apple cider can also be used to braise chicken, or it can be added to a chicken soup for a touch of sweetness and tartness.
Breakfast: Apple cider is a great way to warm up on a chilly morning. Serve it alongside pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal. Try cinnamon apple dutch baby!
Try these drinks next:
Check out more of our Christmas/winter recipes by clicking here
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Elderflower Spiced Apple Cider
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 1 bottle apple wine or apple cider for non alcoholic
- 1 cup saint germain or elderflower juice for non alcoholic
- ½ cup cointreau or orange juice for non alcoholic
- 1 cup Bittermilk No.2 Tom Collins with Elderflowers & Hops Cocktail Mixer*
- 1 tablespoon mulling spices
- 1 orange sliced into rounds
- 1 apple sliced into rounds
- 4 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to slow cooker and heat on low for at least 1 hour. You can cook it longer of a spicier cider
- Stir occasionally to prevent fruit from sticking to the bottom and burning.
- Serve hot from the slow cooker.
