15+ Christmas Hard Cider Recipe Prepare To Be Amazed!
Published on: Apr 9, 2024
Christmas is a time for celebration, gathering with loved ones, and enjoying delicious food and drinks. While traditional eggnog and mulled wine may be the go-to choices for holiday beverages, why not switch things up this year with a festive hard cider recipe? This Christmas hard cider recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, making it the ideal drink to warm you up on a cold winter's night. Plus, it's easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Let's dive into the steps to make this delicious holiday drink.
Cran-Marnier Hard Cider (Cranberry Orange Hard Cider)
Main Ingredients: Hard Cider, Cranberry Juice, Apple Juice, Grand
If you're looking for a unique and flavorful twist on traditional beer can chicken, look no further than this delicious recipe for Cran-Marnier Hard Cider chicken. The combination of tart cranberries, sweet orange, and hard cider creates a mouth-watering marinade that infuses the chicken with a burst of flavor. Plus, using a beer can to cook the chicken results in a juicy, tender bird that is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
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Hard Cider Cranberry Sauce
Main Ingredients: Gala Apples, Fresh Cranberries, Orange, Hard Cider
Take your Thanksgiving dinner to the next level with this Hard Cider Cranberry Sauce. The addition of hard cider adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the classic cranberry sauce, making it the perfect accompaniment to your turkey or chicken. The best part? It's super easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, leaving you with more time to spend with your loved ones.
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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 combination of rich, buttery caramel and tangy hard cider creates a unique and addictive treat that is perfect for snacking on or giving as gifts. The addition of sea salt adds a satisfying crunch and balances out the sweetness of the caramel. Trust us, you won't be able to resist these caramels.
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Hard Apple Cider Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Main Ingredients: Smoked Ham, Shank End, Whole Cloves, Pineapple Rings
For a twist on the classic glazed ham, try this recipe for Hard Apple Cider Brown Sugar Glazed Ham. The sweet and tangy glaze, made with hard cider, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard, adds a delicious depth of flavor to the ham. It's the perfect dish for a holiday dinner or a special occasion.
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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! This Autumn Hard Apple Cider Sangria is the perfect drink for a cozy fall evening. The combination of hard cider, brandy, and seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and cranberries creates a delicious and refreshing drink with a hint of warmth. Impress your guests with this flavorful and festive sangria.
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Hot Cider Hot Toddy
Main Ingredients: Honey, Corn Whiskey, Hard Cider, Cinnamon Sticks, Apple
When the weather gets chilly, there's nothing quite like a hot toddy to warm you up. This version, made with hard cider, honey, and spices, is a delicious twist on the classic recipe. It's the perfect drink to cozy up with by the fire on a cold winter night.
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Hard Apple Cider Sangria
Main Ingredients: Hard Apple Cider, Ginger Brandy, Apple Juice, Lemon
If you're a fan of sangria, you have to try this Hard Apple Cider Sangria. The combination of hard cider, white wine, and seasonal fruits creates a refreshing and slightly boozy drink that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a lazy afternoon on the patio. It's a great way to use up any leftover hard cider you may have in the fridge.
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Spiced Pear Cider with Ginger
Main Ingredients: Pear Juice, Hard Apple Cider, Ginger Liqueur, Dark
This Spiced Pear Cider with Ginger is the ultimate fall drink. The combination of sweet pear, warm spices, and spicy ginger creates a delicious and comforting beverage that is perfect for sipping on a crisp autumn day. Plus, the aroma of the simmering cider will fill your home with cozy vibes.
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Hard Cider Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Loin Chops, Coarse Salt, Ground Pepper
For a hearty and flavorful meal, try these Hard Cider Pork Chops with Apples and Onions. The combination of savory pork, sweet apples, and tangy hard cider creates a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Plus, it's all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup.
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German Mulled Hard Cider (Glühmost)
Main Ingredients: Dry Hard Cider, Lemon Slices, Cinnamon Stick, Cloves
If you're a fan of mulled wine, you have to try this German Mulled Hard Cider, also known as Glühmost. The combination of hard cider, spices, and citrus creates a warm and comforting drink that is perfect for the holiday season. It's also a great alternative for those who don't enjoy red wine.
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Hard Pear Cider
Main Ingredients: Hard Cider, Simple Syrup, Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
For a refreshing and simple cocktail, try this Hard Pear Cider. Made with just three ingredients - hard cider, pear juice, and vodka - this drink is easy to make and perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening. Serve it in a tall glass over ice with a slice of pear for a beautiful and delicious drink.
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Hard Cider Braised Chicken
Main Ingredients: Bone In Chicken Thighs, Vegetable Oil, Apples
For a twist on classic braised chicken, try this recipe for Hard Cider Braised Chicken. The combination of hard cider, chicken broth, and herbs creates a flavorful and tender chicken dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
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Hard Cider Chicken + Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Olive Oil, Chopped
Chicken and dumplings is the ultimate comfort food, and this version made with hard cider takes it to the next level. The hard cider adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish, making it even more irresistible. It's the perfect meal to warm you up on a cold winter night.
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Hard Cider Beer Brats
Main Ingredients: Sausages, Onion, Red Pepper Flakes, Hard Cider, Brat
For a twist on traditional bratwurst, try these Hard Cider Beer Brats. The combination of hard cider, beer, and herbs creates a delicious and juicy bratwurst that is perfect for grilling up at your next barbecue or tailgate. Serve them on a bun with your favorite toppings for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
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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 delicious and unique way to incorporate hard cider into your baking. The apple cider adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to the bread, making it incredibly soft and flavorful. It's the perfect bread to serve with soups, stews, or to enjoy on its own with a pat of butter.
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Hard Cider Bourbon Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Bourbon, Hard Cider, Ice Cubes, Apple
If you're a fan of bourbon, you have to try this Hard Cider Bourbon Cocktail. The combination of hard cider, bourbon, and maple syrup creates a sweet and boozy drink with a hint of warmth. It's the perfect cocktail to sip on a cool autumn evening.
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Hard Cider Can Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Hard Cider, Seasoning, Barbecue Sauce
This recipe for Hard Cider Can Chicken takes the classic beer can chicken to the next level. The hard cider and herbs create a flavorful and tender chicken that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner. Plus, the presentation of the chicken standing on a can of hard cider is sure to impress your guests.
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Hard Apple Cider Donuts
Main Ingredients: Hard Apple Cider, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Baking
Donuts and hard cider may not be a traditional pairing, but trust us, it works. These Hard Apple Cider Donuts are sweet, tangy, and addictive. The apple cider adds a subtle sweetness and tanginess to the donuts, making them irresistible. Serve them with a cup of coffee or a glass of hard cider for the ultimate fall treat.
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Hard Apple Cider Mule
Main Ingredients: Ice Cubes, Hard Apple Cider, Ginger Beer, Cinnamon
For a twist on the classic Moscow Mule, try this Hard Apple Cider Mule. The combination of hard cider, vodka, and ginger beer creates a refreshing and slightly boozy drink with a hint of warmth from the ginger. It's the perfect cocktail for a summer evening or a holiday gathering.
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Cheddar Hard Cider Fondue
Main Ingredients: Hard Cider, Chicken Broth, Worcestershire Sauce
Fondue is a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal with friends or family, and this Cheddar Hard Cider Fondue is a must-try. The addition of hard cider adds a tangy and slightly boozy twist to the classic cheese fondue, making it even more delicious. Serve it with crusty bread, vegetables, and apples for dipping.
Ingredients You'll Need
To make this Christmas hard cider, you'll need the following ingredients:
1. Apple Cider
The main ingredient of this recipe is, of course, apple cider. Choose a high-quality, unfiltered cider for the best flavor. You can also opt for a spiced apple cider for an extra kick of flavor.
2. Hard Cider
To give your Christmas hard cider a boozy kick, you'll need hard cider. Choose a dry or semi-sweet variety depending on your preference.
3. Spices
To give your cider a festive flavor, you'll need a mix of spices. These can include cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger.
4. Orange and Lemon Slices
Orange and lemon slices add a refreshing citrus twist to this Christmas hard cider. Plus, they make for a beautiful garnish.
5. Brandy (Optional)
For an extra kick of alcohol, you can add a splash of brandy to your hard cider. This is completely optional and can be omitted if desired.
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients, let's get into the steps to make this Christmas hard cider recipe:
1. Heat the Apple Cider
In a saucepan, heat the apple cider over medium heat until it simmers. Do not let it come to a boil.
2. Add the Spices
Once the cider is simmering, add in your desired spices. You can adjust the amount of each spice according to your taste preferences. Let the spices infuse into the cider for 5-10 minutes.
3. Add the Hard Cider
After the spices have infused, add in the hard cider and let it heat through for a few minutes.
4. Optional: Add Brandy
If you're adding brandy to your hard cider, now is the time to do so. Stir it in and let it heat through for another minute.
5. Serve and Garnish
Once everything is heated through, remove the cider from heat and serve it in mugs. Add a slice of orange and lemon to each mug for a beautiful garnish.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas hard cider recipe is perfect for cozy nights by the fireplace or for holiday gatherings with friends and family. You can also make a non-alcoholic version by omitting the hard cider and brandy. Get creative and experiment with different spices and flavors to find your perfect holiday cider. Cheers to a festive and delicious holiday season!