Hot Apple Cider

One of the things I love most about fall are the all of the warm, yummy drinks that are now "legal" to drink. I’m kind of obsessed with them actually. I’m sure a lot of you are used to having a hot drink in your hands just about every morning, year-round. But see, I don’t drink coffee, so I'm like a total weirdo rolling around with a cup of hot chocolate in the middle of July in FL no doubt. So when the cool fall weather rolls around, it’s my cue that it’s socially acceptable to be seen with my little hot chocolate. And during the fall months, there’s nothing better than a warm, spicy cup of caramel apple cider!

I should mention to my international friends (I know, how cool does that sound?) here in the US apple cider does not refer to an alcoholic beverage like it does overseas.

I love this recipe. Our friend Ed made this when a group of our friends got together and it was delicious. It is so simple to make. Just put everything into your crock pot and let it warm up. It can of course be cooked on the stove, but I prefer the crock pot route! Enjoy!!!

INGREDIENTS:

1 gallon apple cider
27 whole cloves
8 cinnamon sticks
1 quart pineapple juice
1 can (6 ounce) frozen orange juice concentrate

PREPARATION:

Mix all ingredients in a large crock pot and simmer. Serve hot.

P.S. I'm a big fan of caramel apple cider, so I add about a tablespoon of caramel syrup (the ice cream topping) and whipped cream with caramel syrup drizzled to my cup. . .sooo good!!!