A delightful warm spiced apple cider recipe perfect for cozy winter evenings.
Pour the fresh apple cider into the crock pot, filling it about three-quarters full.
Using fresh apple cider enhances the flavor and aroma of the drink.
Add the light brown sugar to the cider and stir gently to dissolve.
Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less sugar.
Insert the whole cloves into the skin of the fresh orange, creating a studded effect.
This step not only adds flavor but also makes the orange visually appealing.
Place the studded orange, whole cinnamon sticks, whole nutmeg, and crystallized ginger into a piece of cheesecloth. Tie it securely with string to create a spice bundle.
Using a spice bundle makes it easy to remove the spices after cooking.
Place the spice bundle into the crock pot with the cider. Cover and set the crock pot to high heat.
Allowing the spices to steep on high heat extracts their full flavor.
Once the cider reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least two hours.
Simmering on low heat ensures the flavors meld together beautifully.
Serve the warm spiced cider directly from the crock pot using a ladle. Optionally, provide a bottle of spiced rum for guests to add to their cups.
Garnish each cup with a cinnamon stick or orange slice for a festive touch.
