19+ Christmas Hard Apple Cider Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 1, 2024
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious glass of hard apple cider? This festive drink is the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, making it a crowd-pleaser for any holiday gathering. If you're looking to impress your friends and family with your own homemade version, look no further. We've got a simple and delicious Christmas hard apple cider recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds. So let's get started!
Main Ingredients: Smoked Ham, Shank End, Whole Cloves, Pineapple Rings
Add a twist to your traditional holiday ham with this delicious recipe. The combination of hard apple cider and brown sugar creates a sweet and tangy glaze that will have your guests begging for seconds. Plus, the aroma of the ham roasting in the oven will make your mouth water.
No holiday party is complete without a festive drink. This hard apple cider holiday punch is the perfect addition to any gathering. The mix of hard cider, cranberry juice, and ginger ale creates a refreshing and bubbly drink that is sure to be a hit with your guests. Serve it in a large punch bowl with some fresh cranberries for a beautiful presentation.
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Hard Cider Cranberry Sauce
Main Ingredients: Gala Apples, Fresh Cranberries, Orange, Hard Cider
Breathe new life into your traditional cranberry sauce with the addition of hard cider. The tartness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cider, creating a unique and flavorful sauce that will elevate your holiday meal. Plus, it's so easy to make, you'll wonder why you didn't try it sooner.
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Hot Cider Hot Toddy
Main Ingredients: Honey, Corn Whiskey, Hard Cider, Cinnamon Sticks, Apple
On a cold winter night, there's nothing quite like a hot toddy to warm you up. And this version made with hot cider is sure to hit the spot. The combination of hard cider, whiskey, honey, and lemon creates a soothing and comforting drink that is perfect for sipping by the fire. Don't forget to garnish with a cinnamon stick for an extra touch of flavor.
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Sea Salt Hard Cider Caramels
Main Ingredients: Hard Cider, Cinnamon Sticks, Allspice Berries, Cloves
If you have a sweet tooth, these sea salt hard cider caramels are a must-try. The addition of hard cider gives these caramels a unique and delicious flavor that will have you reaching for more. And the hint of sea salt adds the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness. These make great gifts for friends and family or a tasty treat for yourself.
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Cranberry Stuffing with Apples, Mushrooms and Wild Rice
Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Chicken Stock, Hard Cider, Wild Rice
Take your stuffing game to the next level with this cranberry stuffing recipe. The combination of apples, mushrooms, and wild rice adds a variety of textures and flavors to the dish. And the addition of hard cider adds a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tartness of the cranberries. This stuffing will be the star of your holiday meal.
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Autumn Hard Apple Cider Sangria
Main Ingredients: Apples, Hard Apple Cider, White Wine, Maple Syrup
Sangria isn't just for summer anymore. This autumn version made with hard apple cider, white wine, and brandy is the perfect drink to enjoy on a crisp fall day. The addition of apples, pears, and cinnamon sticks adds a touch of seasonal flavors. Serve it at your next fall gathering and watch as it disappears in no time.
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Spiced Pear Cider with Ginger
Main Ingredients: Pear Juice, Hard Apple Cider, Ginger Liqueur, Dark
Looking for a non-alcoholic option to serve at your next holiday party? This spiced pear cider is the perfect solution. The combination of pear juice, ginger, and spices creates a flavorful and comforting drink that is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages. And the best part? It's easy to make and will make your house smell amazing.
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Cran-Marnier Hard Cider (Cranberry Orange Hard Cider)
Main Ingredients: Hard Cider, Cranberry Juice, Apple Juice, Grand
This cranberry orange hard cider is the ultimate holiday drink. The combination of cranberry juice, orange juice, and hard cider creates a bright and festive drink that is perfect for celebrating. And the addition of Grand Marnier adds a touch of sophistication and warmth. Serve it in fancy glasses for an extra elegant touch.
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Hard Apple Cider Sangria
Main Ingredients: Hard Apple Cider, Ginger Brandy, Apple Juice, Lemon
Add some bubbly fun to your sangria with this hard apple cider version. The mix of hard cider, white wine, and fresh fruit creates a flavorful and refreshing drink that is perfect for any occasion. You can customize the fruit to your liking, but we recommend using apples, oranges, and cranberries for a festive touch.
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Apple Cider Bread
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Granulated Sugar
Take your bread game to the next level with this delicious apple cider bread. The addition of hard cider adds a subtle sweetness and tanginess to the bread, making it perfect for breakfast or as a tasty side dish. The best part? It's easy to make and will make your house smell amazing while it bakes.
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Slow Cooker Brisket
Main Ingredients: Brisket, Sea Salt, Pepper, Hard Cider, Ground Cumin
Cooking a brisket can be intimidating, but with this slow cooker recipe, it's a breeze. The combination of hard cider, barbecue sauce, and spices creates a flavorful and tender brisket that will impress your family and friends. Serve it with some roasted vegetables for a complete and hearty meal.
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Earl Grey Apple Cider Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Water, Earl Grey Tea, Hard Apple Cider, Lemon, Vanilla
For a unique and sophisticated cocktail, try this Earl Grey apple cider drink. The combination of earl grey tea, hard cider, and bourbon creates a complex and delicious flavor that will have you sipping it all night long. Serve it with some apple slices for a garnish that adds a touch of sweetness.
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Apple Cider Sangria
Main Ingredients: White Wine, Hard Cider, Apples, Simple Syrup, Cinnamon
Sangria just got even better with this apple cider version. The combination of hard cider, white wine, and brandy creates a flavorful and refreshing drink that is perfect for any occasion. The addition of apples, oranges, and pomegranate seeds adds a seasonal touch and makes for a beautiful presentation.
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Apple Cider Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Hard Apple Cider, Dark Rum, Apple Slices
If you're in the mood for a cocktail that is both refreshing and comforting, this apple cider drink is the one for you. The mix of hard cider, bourbon, and ginger beer creates a unique and delicious combination of flavors. And the addition of fresh apple slices adds a touch of sweetness and crunch.
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Apple Cider Margaritas
Main Ingredients: Hard Apple Cider, Gold Tequila, Agave Syrup, Lime
For a twist on a classic margarita, try this apple cider version. The combination of tequila, triple sec, and hard cider creates a delicious and refreshing drink that is perfect for any party. And the addition of fresh lime juice and apple slices adds a touch of brightness to the drink.
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Apple Cider Mimosas
Main Ingredients: Orange Juice, Hard Apple Cider, Orange Bitters
Upgrade your mimosa game with this apple cider version. The combination of hard cider, champagne, and orange juice creates a bubbly and festive drink that is perfect for celebrating. And the addition of cinnamon sugar on the rim of the glass adds a touch of sweetness and spice.
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White Wine Apple Cider Sangria
Main Ingredients: Honeycrisp Apples, Red Grapes, Lemon, Lime, Sweet White
If you prefer white wine over red, this sangria is for you. The mix of white wine, hard cider, and brandy creates a lighter and more refreshing version of the classic sangria. The addition of apples, pears, and cranberries adds a burst of seasonal flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
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Hard Apple Cider Bread
Main Ingredients: Flour, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, Salt, Baking Powder
This hard apple cider bread is a must-try for any bread lover. The combination of hard cider and spices creates a flavorful and moist bread that is perfect for any occasion. And it's so easy to make, you'll want to whip up a loaf every week.
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Fall Apple Cider Sangria
Main Ingredients: Apple, Pear, Cinnamon Sticks, Vanilla Pod, Vanilla
For a sangria that truly captures the essence of fall, try this recipe. The mix of hard cider, red wine, and apple cider creates a warm and comforting drink that is perfect for crisp autumn days. The addition of apples, pears, and cinnamon sticks adds a touch of seasonal flavors and makes for a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients:
1. Apples
The key to a great hard apple cider is, of course, the apples. You'll want to choose a mix of sweet and tart apples to create the perfect balance of flavors. Some popular options include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Gala apples. Make sure to use fresh, organic apples for the best taste and quality.
2. Cinnamon Sticks
To add some holiday spice to your cider, cinnamon sticks are a must. Not only do they add a warm and cozy flavor, but they also make your cider look extra festive. Plus, the aroma of cinnamon will fill your house with the scent of Christmas.
3. Brown Sugar
For a touch of sweetness, brown sugar is the perfect addition to this recipe. It adds a rich and caramel-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples and cinnamon. You can adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your preference, but we recommend starting with 1/4 cup.
4. Yeast
To turn your regular apple cider into hard apple cider, you'll need some yeast. This ingredient is what will ferment the sugars in the apple juice and turn it into alcohol. You can use a champagne yeast for a crisp and dry cider or a white wine yeast for a sweeter and fruitier taste. Both can be found at your local brewing supply store.
5. Apple Juice
To make things easier, you can use store-bought apple juice for this recipe. However, if you have access to fresh apple cider, that would take your homemade hard apple cider to the next level. Just make sure to use unfiltered apple juice for a more authentic taste.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples
Wash and chop your apples into small pieces, removing any stems and seeds. You can leave the skin on for added flavor and nutrients. Place the chopped apples in a large pot.
2. Add in the Cinnamon and Brown Sugar
Next, add in 2-3 cinnamon sticks and 1/4 cup of brown sugar to the pot with the apples. This will infuse the cider with delicious holiday flavors.
3. Pour in the Apple Juice
Now, pour in 1 gallon of apple juice into the pot with the apples and spices. Give it a good stir and bring it to a boil.
4. Let it Simmer
Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 30-40 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the apples to soften.
5. Remove from Heat and Let it Cool
Once the cider has finished simmering, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Once it's at room temperature, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, removing the solids.
6. Add in the Yeast
Add in the yeast of your choice to the strained cider and give it a good stir. Cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel and let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 days.
7. Bottle and Refrigerate
After 2-3 days, your hard apple cider will be ready to bottle. Use clean glass bottles or mason jars and refrigerate the cider for another 5-7 days before serving.
Conclusion:
And there you have it – a delicious and festive Christmas hard apple cider that will impress all your holiday guests. Serve it chilled with some cinnamon sticks and apple slices for garnish. Don't forget to save a bottle for yourself because you'll definitely want to enjoy this all winter long. Cheers to a merry and cider-filled Christmas!