According to the Farmer’s Almanac, we are in for a cold, cold winter. According to their true and tried equations, we are in for “Unseasonably cold with rain, snow.” While some might look at that forecast and maybe panic a bit or feel upset, I look at it this way, the cold means lots of opportunities to bundle up and stay in for lots of movie nights or venture out for some great wintertime food and drinks. With that said, we’ve got something for you to try out and enjoy. Apple Cider. Apple cider is a raw, unfiltered, and unsweetened drink made from the juice of pressed apples and can also be spiked for a little kick. We’ve got some delicious ones to try out and a great recipe to make apple cider at home.
Head over to Addison Circle and pay Astoria Caffe a visit for a delicious warm cup of hot apple cider. As described on their website, “Sweet and comforting with notes of cinnamon and topped with our homemade whipped cream.” This is definitely a treat! Oh, and if you like it spiked, they can add some Pyrat Rum to it! if weather permits, enjoy it out on their patio and do some people-watching. www.astoriacaffe.com
Sidecar Social offers some of the best entertainment in town. From classic arcade games to live music and so much more! It’s a great place to hang out and relax. Their drink menu includes Angry Orchard Crisp Apple, so in between games or while you’re watching the game on their giant TVs, enjoy a refreshing hard cider. www.sidecarsocial.com
My favorite place to watch soccer is The Londoner. The atmosphere is always hyped, especially for derbies or rivalry games. Everyone brings their jerseys and sings the songs just like at the stadiums. Enjoy a Blackthorn Dry Cider while you watch your favorite English Premier League team take the pitch on matchday. From The Londoner’s British Drink menu, “Blackthorn is a dry, yet sweet apple cider with bushels of flavor to quench your thirst on even the hottest days.” On the Irish side, they offer Magners Irish Cider. “The one and only vintage Irish cider-specially grown apples give this cider its extra-full apple flavor with a crisp, fruity finish.” Even though we are getting into the colder months, the atmosphere inside The Londoner is going to be hyped and you are going to need to get a refreshing drink to get you through the match. www.thelondoneraddison.com
How about making a delicious apple cider at home? I really enjoy cooking and making drinks at home because I can always put a little spin on recipes. You know, making them my own. So let me share this delicious apple cider recipe to make at home. It’s very easy to make and we think you will love it.
Here is what you will need:
- 10 large apples, quartered.
- 1 orange, halved.
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp. whole cloves
- 1 tsp. whole allspice
- 1 whole nutmeg
- ½ c. packed brown sugar
Now to put it all together. First, we will add the apples, oranges, spices, and brown sugar in a large stockpot over medium heat. Make sure it’s covered with water by at least 2 inches. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer covered for 2 hours. Next, remove the orange halves, then use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash apples. Return to a simmer and let simmer uncovered for 1 hour. After that, strain through a fine mesh strainer, pressing on solids with a wooden spoon to squeeze all juices out and throw out the solids. Finally, serve the apple cider warm and enjoy. It’s a delicious drink for the upcoming colder months.
If you want a super easy and quick recipe, I got you.
You are just going to need a slow cooker and a few things.
- 1 (64 fluid ounces) bottle of apple cider
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
Next, you are going to combine the apple cider and cinnamon sticks in a slow cooker. Next, you will need to put the allspice and cloves on the center of a cheesecloth. Take the edges of the cheesecloth together and tie it then place in the slow cooker. Stir in the brown sugar and cook on ‘high’ and cover until the mixture and sugar dissolve (about an hour.) Reduce the heat to low and keep warm as you serve. That’s it! It’s super simple and relatively quick.
Whether you enjoy it warm while bundled up or cozied up at home, or ice cold while you’re watching a game or in between karaoke songs at Sidecar Social, this is a Fall/Winter drink we’re sure you are going to love! Do you have a delicious apple cider recipe or perhaps a go-to place for cider? Share it with us in the comments section.
