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Cranberry Orange Cider only takes about 15 minutes to make and is perfect for all the winter and holiday activities that leave you cold and in need of warming up! You can also double the recipe and serve it to a crowd at your holiday gatherings.
Cranberry Orange Cider
Friday was 70 degrees here. Today, the high was 34. That is a drastic jump but one that we’ve been waiting for. It was too nice for too long around here.
Usually, we have snow by this time of year.
I don’t like being cold. We’re debating taking Julia to the parade this week and there are so many other fun outdoor activities this time of year (ice festivals, tree lightings…) but that means I’ll (we’ll) be cold.
Luckily, this warm cider in my new Thermos will help us out.
It only takes about 15 minutes to whip up then you can store it in your Thermos if you’re going out, or a slow cooker if you’re keeping it warm for a party.
Equipment you’ll need
- Saucepan with lid – You’ll need a medium saucepan with a lid.
- Silicone Spatulas – These spatulas are one piece (easy cleaning) and heat safe so they’re perfect for stirring the hot cider.
- Slow Cooker – If you want to serve this cider at a party, it’s nice to have in a slow cooker that you can keep on low.
- Ladle – For scooping out portions of cider.
Ingredients
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this recipe. Scroll all the way down for the full recipe card.
- Cranberry Apple Juice – Use your favorite brand. I usually pick Old Orchard.
- Orange Juice – We almost always have Simply on hand. Or, you could fresh squeeze juice from from the orange you’ll use for the orange slices…
- Cinnamon Stick – You’ll need a full cinnamon stick, which is bark from a cinnamon tree.
- Orange Slices
- Honey
If you’re looking for a traditional cider, try my crockpot apple cider that’s made from scratch!
Making Cranberry Orange Cider
Making this cider is so easy.
- First, add the cranberry-apple juice, orange juice, cinnamon stick, and orange slices to a saucepan over medium high heat. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Then, remove the orange slices and cinnamon stick and stir in the honey.
That’s it!
How to serve it
If you’re having a party, once you prepare the Cranberry Orange Cider on the stove, pour it into a slow cooker and set it on warm to serve with a ladle all night. It’ll keep beautifully.
It will also taste great chilled.
Garnish with fresh orange slices and cinnamon sticks, if you want to fancy it up.
What to serve with it
Apple Donut Mini Muffins
Soft & Chewy Gingersnaps
Cinnamon Quick Bread
Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread
More drinks you make like
Starbucks Copycat Passion Tea Lemonade
Homemade Lemonade
Copycat Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea
Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
Cranberry Orange Cider
Ingredients
- 2 cups cranberry-apple juice
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 orange slices
- 1 Tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Add the cranberry-apple juice, orange juice, cinnamon stick, and orange slices to a medium saucepan over medium high heat.2 cups cranberry-apple juice, 1 cup orange juice, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 orange slices
- Bring to a boil then cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes.1 Tablespoon honey
- Remove the cinnamon stick and orange slices and stir in the honey.
- Serve warm and garnish with more orange slices & cinnamon sticks if you want.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag me on Instagram @melissa_pplates so I can see!
Originally published November 20, 2016
What a great winter/fall drink idea! thanks