Chai Spiced Cider

We love cider around here.  And cider weather.  But, sometimes you want a bolder flavor than just cider (especially if it’s the sad kind at the grocery store that’s more like apple juice).  Or something hot to drink because it’s cold outside.  So, we threw our favorite chai spices in cider and simmered it to make chai spiced cider.  Perfect for group get togethers (brunch anyone?) or solo.  Throw in an orange slice and a cinnamon stick and it’s perfect.  The added bonus is that your house will smell amazing while this is cooking.

One of my favorite restaurants has spiced cider on the menu.  It’s a perfect spot to stop for lunch on a cooler fall day after apple picking or hiking some beautiful trails.  I’m not sure they put more than just some cinnamon and orange in it, but even just adding something that simple really elevates cider. And chai spiced cider…well…try it and see!

This recipe is also the chai spiced cider that we then add to apple slices and a few other ingredients in the crockpot to make our chai spiced apple butter.  And also very similar to the spices we use to make our homemade chai concentrate.  Clearly, we are big fans of chai!  And if you aren’t a fan of one of the spices in the mix, just take it out.  That’s the beauty of making your own chai. Your recipe, your way.

We bought a lot of our ingredients online through amazon or pennzeys spices.  However, I think if you have a good store nearby with a bulk section, that would be the best way to get fresh spices for this.  I accidentally bought a container with probably 3-4 cups of cardamom pods.  Not sure what to do with all of them.  Any suggestions?  Because I used 12 pods.  And there are hundreds left.  Maybe I should do one of those guessing contents.  How many pods in this container?  Guess closest and win a prize!  The prize?  The rest of the cardamom pods.

 

You also might like: