YaYa’s Holiday Cider
Holiday Cider has always been one of those comfort scents that fills my whole house and makes everyone gather around the kitchen. The warm apple cider blends with cinnamon candies, cloves, and fresh orange to create a festive drink that is bright, sweet, and full of cozy spice. It is simple, reliable, and perfect for Christmas mornings, winter evenings, or anytime you want a little holiday warmth in your hands. This is the kind of recipe Mama Shirley loved to simmer during December because it brought everyone together without any fuss, and it still does the same for my own family today.
Ingredients
- 1 medium orange
- 1½ teaspoons whole cloves
- 1 gallon apple cider
- ¾ cup red cinnamon candies
- 2 cinnamon sticks 3 inches each
Instructions
- Slice the orange into 6 wedges.
- Press whole cloves into the orange wedges and set aside.
- Pour the apple cider into a Dutch oven.
- Add the red cinnamon candies and warm over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally until the candies dissolve completely and the cider is heated through.
- Add the clove-studded orange wedges and cinnamon sticks.
- Reduce heat to low and let the flavors blend for several minutes before serving.
- Ladle into heatproof mugs and enjoy warm.
Yaya’s Tips for Success
This holiday cider perfumes the whole house with the sweetest Christmas scent. To get the best flavor, give the cloves and cinnamon time to bloom in the cider. That slow warming brings out the deep spice notes that make this drink feel like the holidays in a cup.
- Use a heavy Dutch oven to hold heat and prevent scorching.
- Press the whole cloves firmly into the orange so they stay put while simmering.
- Let the cider sit on very low heat during gatherings so guests can serve themselves.
- If the cider gets too sweet, just add a splash more plain apple cider.
- For a stronger citrus flavor, add a strip or two of fresh orange peel.
Yaya’s Customization Ideas
This simple cider is easy to tuck your own touches into.
- Sometimes I add a few fresh cranberries for extra color
- Consider stirring in a small spoon of honey if someone wants it sweeter.
If you happen to love cozy holiday drinks, you might enjoy pairing this with my Homemade Irish Cream on the website for an adult after-dinner treat, or serve it alongside Chocolate Nut Bars for a warm-and-sweet Christmas nibble. Both add a lovely balance to this bright, cinnamon-kissed cider.
Yaya’s Original Recipe Card
