By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern
As cool temperatures are finally here in Arizona, many of us find ourselves reaching for warm, cozy drinks like hot cocoas and pumpkin spice lattes. Another warm, cozy, and even spicy drink that is perfect for cold days is hot apple cider. While they do have it at stores, there is nothing like making your own at home, and luckily it is incredibly easy to do! 
A quick note about this recipe is that it is all based on your own personal taste and desired amount. You can increase/decrease any of the ingredients to your liking.
Ingredients:
- Apples – You can use as many as you’d like and whichever varieties you’d like. You can mix sweet with sweet or mix tart with sweet.
- Oranges – This is to add the citrusy flavor to the cider, so depending on how strong you want it determines the number you use.
- Spices – Cinnamon sticks and whole cloves are traditionally used, but allspice, ginger, and nutmeg can also be good additions!
- Sweetener – You can use whatever sweetener you prefer, and whatever amount you’d like. Brown sugar, honey, and maple syrup are good options.
Place the whole apples, oranges, and spices into a stockpot, crockpot, or Instapot and cover with water. Cook on high heat till it comes to a simmer. Cover, and reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer for 2 hours or until apples are soft.
Mash all the contents together and let simmer for a few more minutes. Then, strain the solids out of the liquid. Add your desired sweetener, if any.
That’s it! Serve your cider warm and garnish with orange slices or cinnamon sticks if you want to be extra cutesy!
Not only is hot apple cider a delicious and warming drink but making it at home also doubles as an amazing air freshener while it’s cooking! So, try making some this fall! It’s a perfect party drink and is also amazing to enjoy on your own!
For more fall articles or for more recipes, check out the Fill Your Plate website!