Hot Pot And Cider: A Match Made In Heaven?

Cider is a popular drink to serve during the fall, and it can be made even more autumnal by heating it up and adding spices. But can you put cider in a hot pot?

The answer is yes! In fact, there are many recipes online for making hot cider in an instant pot or pressure cooker. The process is simple: just add your desired spices (such as cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg) to the cider, and heat it up. You can also add in fruits like apples or oranges for extra flavour.

So, if you're looking for a warm and comforting drink this fall, why not give hot cider a try? It's the perfect way to spice things up!

Cider recipes for a hot pot

Cider is a delicious beverage that can be enjoyed hot or cold and is perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to cosy nights in. Here are some fantastic cider recipes that you can make in a hot pot to warm you up from the inside out!

Instant Pot Apple Cider

This recipe is perfect for when you're short on time but still want a delicious, comforting drink. It only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish!

Ingredients:

• Granny Smith Apples (cored and cut into pieces)
• Ground Cloves
• Sweetener of your choice (e.g. Truvia, honey)
• Ground Cinnamon
• Ground Nutmeg
• Water

Instructions:

• Place all ingredients into your Instant Pot.
• Cook under high pressure and let it release all pressure naturally.
• Open the lid and stir well.
• Place a strainer over a bowl and use a soup ladle to transfer the contents of your Instant Pot into the bowl.
• Use the back of the ladle to mash the apples and get some apple pulp into the cider.
• Serve hot or cold, with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Slow Cooker or Stovetop Hot Apple Cider

This recipe is perfect for when you want to fill your home with the wonderful aroma of spices and apples. It's a great base recipe that you can easily adapt to your taste.

Ingredients:

• Apple Cider (fresh if possible)
• Mulling Spices (cinnamon, clove, allspice, orange zest, etc.)
• Optional garnishes: dried apple slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, dried orange peel

Instructions:

• Pour the apple cider into a slow cooker or heavy-bottom saucepan and set on medium-high heat.
• Place your mulling spices in a fabric bag and add it to the pot. Stir occasionally, squeezing the bag of spices.
• Heat the cider until it is hot and flavourful, then set the temperature to warm.
• Optional: Garnish the pot with apple and orange slices. Serve in mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick.

Hot Spiced Cider

This recipe is perfect for those who want a little extra kick to their cider. It's also a great base that you can adjust to your taste.

Ingredients:

• Cider or apple juice
• Brown sugar and/or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• Cinnamon sticks and/or ground cinnamon
• Orange
• Cloves
• Optional: whiskey, wine, or other liquor of your choice

Instructions:

• Pour the cider or apple juice into your hot pot, set to sauté.
• If using ground cinnamon, whisk it in until dissolved. Add cinnamon sticks if desired.
• Wash the outside of the orange, slice it in half, and press 2 whole cloves into the orange skin side of each half. Put both halves into the pot.
• Allow the liquid to come to a low boil for about 3-5 minutes so all flavours mix.
• Turn off the pot once the cider is warm enough for your taste.
• Taste and adjust as needed: add brown sugar for sweetness, leave the cinnamon stick in for a stronger flavour, or add liquor for an adult twist.
• You can keep the cider warm for serving by pushing the "warm" button on your hot pot.

Hot Buttered Cider

If you're looking for a rich and indulgent cider recipe, this one is perfect for a special occasion or a cosy night in.

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 3 cinnamon sticks (3 inches), broken
• 1 gallon apple cider

Instructions:

• Fill the filter-lined basket of a large automatic percolator with the brown sugar, cloves, allspice, and cinnamon sticks.
• Prepare as you would coffee according to the manufacturer's directions, but substitute cider for water.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

How to make hot cider in an instant pot

Hot apple cider is a delicious beverage, especially during the fall and winter months. It's easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone. Here's a step-by-step guide to making hot cider in an instant pot:

Ingredients:

• Apples (Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, Gala, or a mix of your choice)
• Orange (peeled and cut into segments)
• Lemon (peeled and cut into segments)
• Fresh cranberries (optional)
• Cinnamon sticks
• Whole cloves
• Star anise (optional)
• Water
• Sweetener of your choice (sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, etc.)

Instructions:

• Place quartered apples, orange segments, lemon segments, and cranberries (if using) into the inner pot of your instant pot or pressure cooker.
• Add cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise (if using).
• Pour in enough water to cover the fruit. Adjust the amount of water according to the size of your pressure cooker.
• Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 10-15 minutes.
• Allow the pressure to release naturally or do a quick release after 10 minutes.
• Open the lid and stir the contents.
• Mash the fruit with a potato masher or spoon to release the juices.
• Strain the solids from the liquids using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
• Serve the cider hot or cold, garnished with a cinnamon stick or other spices.

You can also adjust the recipe to your taste by adding more or less sweetener, or leaving out ingredients like cranberries or lemon. For an adult beverage, you can add a splash of bourbon, brandy, or rum to your cider. Enjoy your warm and cozy drink!

What to add to cider for extra flavour

Cider is a fermented alcoholic beverage made from fruit juice, most commonly and traditionally from apple juice, but also from the juice of other fruits such as peaches, pears, or cherries.

There are many ways to add extra flavour to cider. Here are some suggestions:

Use Different Types of Yeast

Using a different type of yeast is one way to change the flavour profile of your cider. For example, using an ale yeast instead of a wine yeast can result in a drier cider with more residual sugar. However, keep in mind that there is a lot of variety within the category of ale yeast, so the specific type of yeast you choose will impact the flavour.

Back Sweetening

Back sweetening is a process where you add sugar back into the cider after it has finished fermenting. This can be done in the bottle or glass before serving. You can use apple juice concentrate, honey, or brown sugar syrup to back sweeten your cider.

Add Cinnamon and Other Spices

You can add cinnamon to your cider to enhance its flavour. This can be done by adding cinnamon sticks or powder during secondary fermentation or by using cinnamon-flavoured bar syrup. Other spices that go well with cider include nutmeg, clove, and allspice.

Use Different Types of Apples or Apple Juice

The type of apples or apple juice used can significantly impact the flavour of your cider. Using apples with tannins or adding tannin powder can give your cider a more robust flavour. Additionally, using apple juice concentrate or reducing the water content in your juice can intensify the apple flavour.

Add Other Fruits or Fruit Juices

Incorporating other fruits or fruit juices is a great way to add extra flavour to your cider. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned fruits, as well as fruit syrups, purees, or juices. Popular choices include pear, cherry, peach, pineapple, blueberry, and mango. Adding these fruits during secondary fermentation will result in a stronger fruit flavour.

Add Maple Syrup

Adding a teaspoon of maple syrup to your cider, along with a splash of sparkling water, creates a unique and delicious combination. This can be enjoyed cold or warm.

Experiment with Add-Ins

Feel free to experiment with different add-ins to find combinations that suit your taste. Some options include vanilla extract, ginger beer, cranberry juice, turmeric, sparkling water, and even your favourite spirits like bourbon or rum.

How to make hot cider with apple juice

Hot cider is a delicious and aromatic drink that is perfect for cold winter nights and can warm your soul. It is easy to make and can be prepared with simple ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make hot cider with apple juice:

Ingredients:

• Apple Juice (preferably pure and unsweetened)
• Cinnamon Sticks
• Ground Cinnamon
• Ground Nutmeg
• Whole Cloves
• Optional: Pure Maple Syrup, Brown Sugar, or other sweeteners
• Optional: Oranges, Lemons, Star Anise, Fresh Cranberries for garnish

Instructions:

• Combine the spices (cinnamon sticks, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and whole cloves) in a saucepan. You can adjust the amount of each spice according to your preference.
• Cook the spices over medium to medium-high heat until they become aromatic. Stir the spices frequently to prevent burning.
• Add the apple juice to the saucepan. You can also add some orange or lemon slices for a citrus twist.
• Bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer the hot cider for about 10-20 minutes. The longer you simmer, the stronger the flavor will be.
• After simmering, carefully strain the hot cider through a colander lined with a cheesecloth to remove the spices and any solid bits.
• Serve the hot cider immediately. You can garnish each mug with a cinnamon stick, orange slice, or other suggested garnishes.

Tips:

• Adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding maple syrup, brown sugar, or other sweeteners.
• For a stronger spice infusion, don't skip the ground spices and use both ground spices and cinnamon sticks.
• You can also make this in a slow cooker or crockpot. Heat the mixture on high for at least one hour, and then reduce the heat to low to keep it warm while serving.
• To reheat any leftover cider, simply bring it to a gentle simmer on the stovetop or heat it in the microwave for about 60 seconds.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting hot cider!

Serving suggestions for hot cider

There are many ways to serve hot cider, a warming beverage perfect for cold months. Here are some serving suggestions for hot cider:

Garnishes

Garnishes are a great way to elevate the presentation of your hot cider. Consider adding thinly sliced apple rounds, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, star anise, or fresh cranberries. These garnishes not only add a decorative touch but also enhance the flavour of the cider.

Dessert

For a dessert-like treat, top your hot cider with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also serve it with sweet treats like doughnuts, apple pie, or cinnamon rolls.

Cheese

Surprisingly, hot cider pairs wonderfully with certain cheeses. Try serving it with sharp cheddar, creamy brie, or Camembert and Camembert-style cheeses. Dishes incorporating these cheeses, such as cauliflower cheese or macaroni and cheese, also go well with hot cider.

Savoury Dishes

Hot cider complements a variety of savoury dishes. It is an excellent pairing for pork chops, especially when served with apples or applesauce. You can also serve it with other pork entrees like pork sausages, pork roast, or ham. Additionally, creamy egg pies, known as quiche, particularly those made with leeks, bacon, or Swiss cheese (Quiche Lorraine), are a good match for hot cider.

Glassware

Presentation matters, and choosing the right glassware can enhance the overall experience. Clear mugs or glass mason jars showcase the beautiful colour of the cider. For a festive touch, serve your hot cider in a snowman-themed mug.

Customisation

Setting up a hot cider station with various toppings and add-ins allows your guests to customise their drinks. This interactive element can be a fun addition to any party.

Cocktails

For adult gatherings, you can turn your hot cider into cocktails by adding complementary alcohols such as bourbon, brandy, spiced rum, tequila, or caramel vodka. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite cocktail.

Spices

Spices are essential to enhancing the flavour of hot cider. Cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and orange zest are commonly used to create a warm and inviting beverage. You can also add a hint of warmth and sweetness with a touch of maple syrup.

With these serving suggestions, you can elevate your hot cider experience and impress your guests. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delightful beverage!

Frequently asked questions