Perfect Holiday Cider

I concocted this recipe by trial and error, simply out of need. Every year on Christmas Eve, I make a spiced rum cider. However, a couple years ago, I looked everywhere for those prepackaged mulling spices, but everywhere I looked, they were out. I decided that t I would just grab some whole spices and make my own. After all, there isn't actually anything magical in those prepackaged spices, except maybe some added chemical preservatives. The first time I made it, I didn't put enough spices in, the second time, I forgot to put the sugar, but the third try was a charm, and that is the recipe I have stuck with ever since.


Perfect Holiday Cider    

Makes 8-10 Glasses


What you will need:

  • 1/2 gal 100% Organic Apple Cider (you can juice your own apples, if you want..)
  • 1/3 Cup All Natural Cane Sugar
  • Peel of 1 Orange (you need the whole peel, including the rind)
  • Peel of 1/2 Lemon
  • 1/2 tsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 TBS Whole Cloves
  • 1.5 TBS Whole Allspice
  • 4 Cinnamon Sticks
  • 1 TBS Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground Allspice 
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract (you can also use 1 vanilla bean if you want a stronger vanilla flavor)

*Optional: Spiced or White Rum 

Everything in the pot Simmering



To make:


  1. Place whole spices, vanilla, and citrus peels in a large pot.
  2. Add apple cider and turn stove on med-high.
  3. Bring to a GENTLE  boil.
  4. Turn down to low, add ground spices and lemon juice and simmer 45 minutes.
  5. Take off heat and strain into heat proof punch bowl or other serving container. 
  6. Label into individual glasses and add rum to taste.



Serve with a  cinnamon stick for that "extra" touch

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