Apple Cider

As leaves turn vibrant colors and fall to the ground, as the temperature drops and daylight shortens, I cannot think of a drink that sums up fall quite like apple cider does.  Fall is my most favorite time of year and apple cider is a sweet treat I will happily indulge in.  My kids, who share the same affection for fall, are giddy with excitement and are constantly begging for apple cider.  I love to make this recipe for family, friends and have even made it for a trunk or treat festival where it was a big hit!

I’ve tried different ingredients in apple cider, such as oranges, and this is hands down the most popular.  And if for some reason I cannot find unfiltered apple cider in the grocery store (it’s often seasonal) I will opt for apple cider in the juice isle.

Do you like caramel apples?  Try topping your hot apple cider with whipped cream and caramel sauce.  So delicious!

Transform ordinary apple cider into a perfect fall drink with a few simple spices…I promise you will never go back!

Tip: Be careful not to let your spices sit too long in the apple cider (not much past 30 minutes) as it causes the drink to become bitter.  If you serve it over a period of time, remove the spices and set the temperature on low, whether on the stove or in a crockpot.

Print Recipe

Gluten Free Apple Cider

For an extra tasty sweet treat, top with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce for a caramel apple cider. If you can't find unfiltered, pasteurized apple cider, buy plain apple cider. You won't have the cloudy look, but the taste will still be great!

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 - 8oz. cups

Author: Just As Good Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 1 cinnamon stick 4-5 in. long
• ½ teaspoon whole cloves
• ½ teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• ½ teaspoon whole allspice
• 64 oz. apple cider unfiltered and pasteurized

Instructions

• In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add the cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns and allspice and allow to heat up until fragrant, approx. 1-2 minutes. I like to remove the spices, except cinnamon, and place them inside a tea strainer so they're not floating around and easier to remove. You can leave them in if you don't have a way to do this. I then place the tea strainer with spices back in the saucepan. Pour apple cider into pan and bring to a boil, increase heat if needed. Reduce temperature once boiling and simmer over medium-low heat for 20-30 minutes. Remove spices from pan and serve hot.