Celebrate Thanksgiving with this easy, fragrant apple cider.
Thanksgiving is a time we gather to share good food, warm memories, and moments of gratitude. While the turkey takes center stage, the little touches — the smells wafting from the kitchen, the cozy drinks in hand — are what make the day truly special.
This Spiced Apple Cider recipe is perfect for serving before dinner as guests arrive, or later in the evening when everyone has moved on to dessert and stories. It’s simple, comforting, and fills your home with a fragrance that says, “Welcome — we’re glad you’re here.”
Thanksgiving Spiced Apple Cider Recipe
You’ll need:
- 8–10 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart works best)
- 1 orange, sliced (optional, for extra holiday brightness)
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon allspice berries (optional)
- 2–3 star anise pods (optional, but adds a festive aroma)
- ½–¾ cup brown sugar or maple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
- 12 cups water
Instructions:
- Wash apples and orange. Cut them into quarters — no need to peel or core.
- Place the apples, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and star anise into a large pot. Cover with water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Gently mash the fruit with a potato masher to release more flavor.
- Simmer for an additional 30–45 minutes.
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, discarding the solids.
- Stir in the brown sugar or maple syrup while the cider is still hot. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Just like this cider warms the home with its spices, the season warms our hearts with gratitude. This Thanksgiving, we’re especially thankful for you, our members, who make Coca‑Cola Credit Union feel like family. From all of us to you — happy Thanksgiving!
