Fall Cocktails: My Spiced Apple Cider

As I am not fortunate enough yet to have a juicer at home, I purchase my freshly pressed apple juice from a fruit juice stall, located near the downtown market I frequently visit.

When selecting the types of apple, I am always content to mix up the varieties but of course you can use your own favorite choice too. If you cannot attain any of the freshly pressed apple juice, you can always opt to buy apple juice in a grocery store. However, try to look around the organic or gourmet section for a better choice and stay well clear from the big, and often cheaper brands as they are full of unwanted sugars and nasty additives!

Ingredients:

• 6 Cups of freshly pressed apple juice
• 4 cinnamon sticks, broken in half
• 1 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 Apple, quartered and cored
• 6 cloves
• 10 Allspice berries
• 

Method:

This recipe is so deliciously easy!

1. In a medium sauce pan, add the freshly pressed apple juice and turn on a low heat.
2. In the mean time, quarter the apple and stud it with the cloves.
3. Add the remaining ingredients, including the studded apple to the saucepan.
4. The timing depends on the intensity of the spices you prefer. Normally, I let the apple cider simmer on a low heat for 20 minutes, stirring time to time.
5. Taste it every once a while. When happy with the flavor profile, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down to room temperature.
6. Strain out the solids, and decant it in a prefered storage vessel and refrigerate for later use.
7. When ready to use, reheat the mixture in a small sauce pan and imbibe. Of course, on making it the first time it is ready to be enjoyed. Nonetheless, I like to take the time and impart more effort by letting it cool down, intensifying those beautiful winter spices.

More recipes!

Now you have created your favorite batch of true homemade apple cider; a delicious blend of winter spices that will warm you up throughout during those cold frosty nights. The beauty about this recipe is not only that it is so deliciously easy to make, but also that it embraces the farm to glass movement, using the freshest and locally produced ingredients, not only omitting those nasty chemicals and food preservatives, but also stimulating the economy.

This deliciously easy homemade spiced Apple Cider is not only great served warm, but also great for use in cocktails! Here are a few of my favorite recipes to try out this fall!

Fall Cocktails: Not your usual Turkey

Not your usual Turkey has become my wife's favorite cocktail this fall. The first time we tried this variation was at last months visit to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, held annually in Bardstown, KY. Not only we met the great Jimmy Russell, but also were served up this delightful winter sipper! As we couldn't remember exactly what was in it, nor the name, it didn't take long to put our beloved Wild Turkey, American Honey into good use! For the recipe, click here.

Not your usual turkey

Fall Cocktails: Orchard Sour

The Orchard Sour is an elaborated whiskey sour, enhanced by the beautiful notes of apples and winter spices. The bourbon pairs nicely with the citrus notes, and the Apple Cider simple syrup just gives you that delicate touch of sweetness, making it one to savor this Fall. For recipe click here

Orchard Sour

Fall Cocktails: Spiced Apple Toddy

On those cold nights, the Spiced Apple Toddy will ensure to keep you warm and cozy in front of the fire! The delicate spice notes of Captain Morgan compliments your homemade Apple Cider.Feeling frosty? Look no further and get the recipe here!