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Hot spiced cider with apple brandy
Hot apple cider with brandy

Hot Spiced Apple Cider with Brandy

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Vegetarian & Vegan Dishes Drinks
This drink blends British cider culture with the Hungarian fruit brandy tradition. It's a true 'soul warmer' for winter: the low-alcohol hard cider is fortified by the fire of fruit brandy, while Christmas spices wrap it all in comfort. Careful, it goes down easy!
🕒 Prep Time 5 mins
🍳 Cook Time 10 mins
⌛ Total Time 15 mins
🍽️ Servings 2 servings
🔥 Calories 280 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Fusion

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Saucepan
  • Strainer
  • Heatproof Glasses

Allergen Information

⚠️ Milk
⚠️ Sulfites (in cider)

Instructions

1 ✓

Pour cider into a pot. Add sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel. Heat over medium until steaming, but DO NOT BOIL.

Tip: Alcohol evaporates at 172°F. Keep it just steaming (around 160°F) to infuse flavors.
2 ✓

Keep warm for 10 minutes to let spices bloom.

Tip: Heat moves the essential oils from the spices into the liquid.
3 ✓

Remove from heat and stir in the Apple Brandy.

Tip: This preserves the kick and aroma of the spirit.
4 ✓

Strain into glasses, top with softly whipped cream, and garnish with an apple slice.

Tip: Cool cream against hot cider creates a delightful sensation and carries flavor.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use apple juice instead?
Yes, for a non-alcoholic base. You'll likely need less sugar as juice is sweeter than dry cider.
When do I add the brandy?
Always at the very end to prevent the alcohol from evaporating.

Ingredients

  • 17 fl oz Hard Apple Cider (Dry)
  • 1.5 fl oz Apple Brandy or Calvados
  • 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 1 stick Cinnamon
  • 3 whole Cloves
  • 1 piece Orange Peel
  • 2 fl oz Heavy Cream (for garnish)
  • 2 slices Fresh Apple