15+ Thanksgiving Hard Cider Recipe Deliciousness Awaits You!

Published on: Mar 19, 2024

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, expressing gratitude, and indulging in delicious food and drinks. While traditional Thanksgiving meals often include wine or beer, why not add a unique and flavorful twist to your festivities this year with a homemade hard cider? Not only is it a great conversation starter, but it's also surprisingly easy to make. In this article, we'll share a delicious and simple Thanksgiving hard cider recipe that will elevate your holiday feast and impress your guests. So let's raise a glass to a memorable and tasty Thanksgiving celebration!

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Cran-Marnier Hard Cider (Cranberry Orange Hard Cider)

Main Ingredients: Hard Cider, Cranberry Juice, Apple Juice, Grand

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If you're tired of the same old beer can chicken recipe, it's time to switch things up with this delicious Cran-Marnier Hard Cider version. The combination of cranberry, orange, and hard cider adds a burst of fall flavors to the classic dish. Plus, the addition of cranberry sauce made with hard cider takes the flavor to the next level.

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Hard Cider Cranberry Sauce

Main Ingredients: Gala Apples, Fresh Cranberries, Orange, Hard Cider

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Speaking of cranberry sauce, why not make it with hard cider this year? The natural sweetness of the hard cider complements the tartness of the cranberries perfectly, resulting in a sauce that is both tangy and sweet. It's the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken, or any other holiday dish.

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Apple Cider Brine for Turkey

Main Ingredients: Water, Kosher Salt, Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon

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If you're planning on making a whole turkey for your holiday feast, consider brining it in an apple cider brine first. The combination of apple cider, herbs, and spices creates a flavorful and moist turkey that will be the star of the dinner table. Plus, the added touch of apple cider will give your turkey a unique and delicious flavor.

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Apple Cider-Glazed Roasted Turkey with Herbed Butter

Main Ingredients: Turkey Neck, Unsalted Butter, Rosemary, Thyme, Sage

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For an even more flavorful twist on the traditional roasted turkey, try this apple cider-glazed version. The glaze, made with a combination of apple cider, butter, and herbs, gives the turkey a beautiful golden color and a deliciously sweet and tangy flavor. It's the perfect main dish for any holiday gathering.

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Autumn Hard Apple Cider Sangria

Main Ingredients: Apples, Hard Apple Cider, White Wine, Maple Syrup

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Looking for a festive and flavorful drink to serve alongside your beer can chicken? Look no further than this autumn hard apple cider sangria. Made with hard apple cider, apple brandy, and a variety of fall fruits and spices, this sangria is the perfect accompaniment to your meal. Plus, it's a great way to use up any extra hard cider you may have on hand.

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Hard Apple Cider Sangria

Main Ingredients: Hard Apple Cider, Ginger Brandy, Apple Juice, Lemon

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If you're not a fan of the traditional sangria, try this hard apple cider sangria instead. It's a refreshing and fruity drink that is perfect for sipping on a warm summer day. Made with hard apple cider, white wine, and a variety of fresh fruits, this sangria is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

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Hard Cider Pork Chops with Apples and Onions

Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Loin Chops, Coarse Salt, Ground Pepper

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Looking for a delicious and hearty meal that can be made on the grill? These hard cider pork chops are the answer. Marinated in a mixture of hard cider, apple cider vinegar, and spices, these pork chops are full of flavor and perfectly tender. Plus, the addition of apples and onions adds a delicious touch of sweetness.

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Hard Pear Cider

Main Ingredients: Hard Cider, Simple Syrup, Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

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While apple is the most common type of hard cider, don't overlook the deliciousness of hard pear cider. Made with freshly pressed pears, this cider is light, fruity, and incredibly refreshing. It's the perfect drink to enjoy on a warm summer day or to pair with your favorite grilled dish.

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Hard Cider Braised Chicken

Main Ingredients: Bone In Chicken Thighs, Vegetable Oil, Apples

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If you're looking for a new way to cook chicken, try braising it in hard cider. The cider adds a deliciously sweet and tangy flavor to the dish, and the slow cooking method results in tender and juicy chicken. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables or on top of a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty and comforting meal.

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Hard Apple Cider Bread

Main Ingredients: Flour, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, Salt, Baking Powder

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Who says you can't bake with hard cider? This hard apple cider bread is proof that you can. The cider adds a subtle sweetness and moisture to the bread, making it perfect for enjoying with a spread of butter or as the base for a delicious sandwich. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover hard cider.

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Hard Cider Chicken + Dumplings

Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Olive Oil, Chopped

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Take your classic chicken and dumplings recipe to the next level by adding hard cider to the mix. The cider adds a delicious touch of sweetness to the dish, while the dumplings soak up all the delicious flavors. This hard cider chicken and dumplings recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

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Hard Cider Beer Brats

Main Ingredients: Sausages, Onion, Red Pepper Flakes, Hard Cider, Brat

These hard cider brats are a breeze to whip up and the perfect way to ...

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Why settle for just beer brats when you can have hard cider beer brats? The addition of hard cider to the cooking liquid adds a unique and delicious flavor to the brats. Serve them on a bun with your favorite toppings, or slice them up and add them to a hearty fall salad.

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Hard Cider Bourbon Cocktail

Main Ingredients: Bourbon, Hard Cider, Ice Cubes, Apple

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If you're a fan of bourbon cocktails, you have to try this hard cider bourbon cocktail. Made with a combination of hard cider, bourbon, and a touch of maple syrup, this drink is both sweet and spicy. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.

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Hard Cider Can Chicken

Main Ingredients: Chicken, Hard Cider, Seasoning, Barbecue Sauce

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Of course, we can't forget the star of the show - hard cider can chicken. This recipe combines the delicious flavors of hard cider, apple cider vinegar, and a variety of herbs and spices to create a perfectly tender and flavorful chicken. Plus, cooking the chicken on a can of hard cider not only adds flavor but also ensures it stays moist and juicy.

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Hard Cider Caramel Apple Pie

Main Ingredients: Pie Shell, Pastry, Granulated Sugar, Hard Apple Cider

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Looking for a delicious twist on the classic apple pie? Try making a hard cider caramel apple pie. The combination of hard cider, caramel, and apples creates a sweet and tangy filling that is encased in a flaky pie crust. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate fall dessert.

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Hard Apple Cider Donuts

Main Ingredients: Hard Apple Cider, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Baking

Apple Cider Donuts • Happylifeblogspot

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Don't let your leftover hard cider go to waste - use it to make these delicious hard apple cider donuts instead. These donuts are light, fluffy, and full of apple flavor. Coated in a cinnamon sugar mixture, they make the perfect treat for a cozy fall morning.

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Hard Apple Cider Mule

Main Ingredients: Ice Cubes, Hard Apple Cider, Ginger Beer, Cinnamon

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If you're a fan of Moscow Mules, you have to try this hard apple cider mule. Made with hard apple cider, vodka, ginger beer, and a splash of lime juice, this cocktail is both refreshing and full of fall flavors. Serve it in a copper mug for the full Mule experience.

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Cheddar Hard Cider Fondue

Main Ingredients: Hard Cider, Chicken Broth, Worcestershire Sauce

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Looking for a fun and delicious appetizer to serve at your next gathering? Look no further than this cheddar hard cider fondue. Made with hard cider and a variety of melted cheeses, this fondue is perfect for dipping crusty bread or your favorite fruits and vegetables. Plus, the addition of hard cider adds a unique and delicious twist to the classic fondue.

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Pumpkin Caramel Hard Cider Cocktail

Main Ingredients: Hard Cider, Caramel, Extract

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Pumpkin and hard cider are a match made in heaven, and this pumpkin caramel hard cider cocktail is no exception. Made with pumpkin puree, hard cider, and caramel vodka, this cocktail is rich, creamy, and full of fall flavors. Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.

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Sea Salt Hard Cider Caramels

Main Ingredients: Hard Cider, Cinnamon Sticks, Allspice Berries, Cloves

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If you're a fan of sweet and salty treats, you have to try these sea salt hard cider caramels. Made with hard cider, butter, and sea salt, these caramels are rich, creamy, and full of flavor. They make the perfect homemade gift or indulgent treat for yourself.

Ingredients:

1. Apples:

For the base of your hard cider, you'll need about 10-12 medium-sized apples. It's best to use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor. Some popular apple varieties for cider include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji. Make sure to wash and chop the apples into small chunks, leaving the peel on for added flavor and color.

2. Brown Sugar:

To give your cider a touch of sweetness, you'll need 1 cup of brown sugar. You can adjust the amount depending on your preference, but keep in mind that the apples will also add natural sweetness to the cider.

3. Spices:

For a warm and festive flavor, add in 1 cinnamon stick, 2 cloves, and 1 star anise. These spices will infuse the cider with a cozy and aromatic taste, perfect for the Thanksgiving season.

4. Yeast:

To turn your apple mixture into hard cider, you'll need to add 1 packet of champagne yeast. This can be found at most grocery or brewing supply stores.

5. Water:

Lastly, you'll need 2 cups of water to help extract the flavors from the apples and dissolve the sugar.

Instructions:

Step 1: Simmer the Apples

In a large pot, add the chopped apples, spices, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This will help soften the apples and infuse the flavors into the water.

Step 2: Strain and Cool

Once the apples are soft, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain out the apple chunks and spices, leaving only the liquid behind.

Step 3: Add Brown Sugar

Pour the strained liquid back into the pot and add the brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Step 4: Add Yeast and Ferment

Let the mixture cool to room temperature before adding the packet of champagne yeast. Stir well and cover the pot with a clean cloth. Let the mixture ferment for 2-3 days, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Bottle and Age

Once the fermentation process is complete, carefully transfer the cider into bottles using a funnel. Seal the bottles tightly and let them age in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks. This will allow the flavors to fully develop and the cider to become carbonated.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

After aging, your Thanksgiving hard cider is ready to be enjoyed! Serve chilled and garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice for an extra festive touch. Your guests will be impressed by the unique and delicious addition to your holiday feast. Conclusion: Homemade hard cider is a fun and tasty way to elevate your Thanksgiving celebrations. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a flavorful and unique beverage that will impress your guests and add a special touch to your holiday feast. So why not give this Thanksgiving hard cider recipe a try and raise a glass to a memorable and delicious holiday season!