chai spiced cider

This is the time of year for apple orchards, cool autumn days, and falling leaves. It is also the time for simmering pots of cider on the stove, infused with spices to warm the body and make the whole house smell amazing.

We are lucky to live near many apple orchards  - the closest is just 4.5 miles away. Just about every weekend from late September until November we are picking up gallons of freshly pressed cider and bushels of apples to make and bake with. As it gets dark earlier and earlier, we tuck in more in the evenings and play board games, cards, and even poker together. It is a family ritual to have a cup of steaming cider while we play and I make this almost daily. 

Chai Spiced Cider

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{wholly rooted}

This mulling spice blend is based on aromatic chai. These spices are wonderful with cider, and add even more depth and flavor to your hot cider recipe. Double or triple the recipe and put it in a crockpot on low or pour warm into a punch bowl - perfect for parties!

{ingredients}

• 4-5 cups fresh apple cider

• 1/2 tsp powdered ginger

• 1 tsp cinnamon chips (or 1 broken up cinnamon stick)

• 8 whole cloves

• 6 cardamom pods

• 1/2 star anise

• 3 allspice

• 1/2 split vanilla bean, or 1 tsp vanilla glycerite/extract

• pinch fresh nutmeg

• 2 Tbsp maple syrup

• 1 Tbsp dried orange peel

• 5 threads saffron (optional)

Pour your fresh apple cider into a pot.

You get the most flavor if you crack your whole spices first - you can do this by simply putting the spices on a cutting board and gently cracking with the side of your kitchen knife, or gently cracking using the bottom of a mug. If you are using a whole cinnamon stick, you can break in half with your hands.

Put all of your cracked spices in a big tea bag, large tea diffuser, or muslin bag to steep, and put into your cider.

Simmer gently for 15 minutes, turn off heat, and let cool a bit before serving.

Pour maple syrup into cider, and stir.

Pour into mugs and enjoy warm!

If you are making a big batch for a party, try floating a few apple slices atop the cider in the crockpot or punch bowl, or using tall cinnamon sticks as stirrers!

Published October 8, 2015

Cider in the fall is one of those family rituals that makes the season feel complete to us. The house fills with the amazing aroma of apples, cinnamon, and other spices. It warms us after an evening walk on a chilly night. It simply means fall is here. Enjoy!