big batch spiced apple cider

It’s apple picking season! You can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can’t take the Indiana out of the girl. Hay rides, harvest walks, apple picking, and of course, cider – I love it all! I’m going to be completely honest with you all though, this month has been so busy, I didn’t get to do any of that this year! I’m pretty bummed, but that doesn’t mean I can’t go to Mariano’s to pick up a jug of cider and fresh apples to bring a little bit of that harvest back to my kitchen ;)

I wanted to share my favorite spiced cider recipe with you. You can serve it iced, warmed, spiked, or regular. This is perfect for your upcoming Halloween, Friendsgiving, and fall parties! It’s fruity and spicy, with just enough bubbly to keep it fun. 

 I love this one because it only takes 15 minutes to prep! So on the day of, you can easily pop a snack in the oven, and then brew up your cider by the time it’s done. 

Keep reading to see how pomegranate seeds make this tasty drink even more exciting to serve to your guests!

Big Batch Spiced Apple Cider Recipe for large parties:

What to have:

3 large red apples

1/2 bag of red cherries 

Spices: Cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, nutmeg, cloves 

Your favorite type of bourbon or vodka (Optional)

1 gallon jug of pure apple cider

½ gallon of water 

1 bottle of champagne (Optional, sub with soda water)

What to do:

The day before, soak your sliced apples and whole cherries in your favorite bourbon or vodka. (This step is optional depending on how spiked you’d like to make your cider.) The day of, bring 2 cups of water to a boil for your spiced concentrate. Toss in a few sticks of cinnamon, ¼ cup of chopped fresh ginger, ½ tablespoon of nutmeg powder, and a small palm of cloves. Let it boil for about 5-7 minutes, then strain and set aside. While that boils, add your jug of apple cider, jug of water (use the same one your apple cider came out of for equal parts measuring), and your bottle of champagne. Pour in your concentrate.

how to serve it:

Prep a large drink dispenser or punch bowl so guests can easily serve themselves throughout the party. Garnish the container with your soaked apples and cherries. Voila! 

If you want to serve your drink cold, set the concentrate in the fridge to cool before adding it to the other liquids. If you want to serve your drink hot, pour the cider into a large pot and heat until warm before adding the concentrate. 

QUICK TIP: If it’s too sweet or you have a larger party drink dispenser, add more water.

POSH UP: Add pomegranate seeds! The bubbly champagne will make the seeds dance around, making this the perfect festive party drink. (If they aren’t dancing enough, add a little soda water to the drink dispenser just before you set it out for guests.)

 I’d love to hear what your favorite seasonal cocktails and mocktails are! Head back over to Instagram or Facebook and let me know. 

 Happy Fall Party Planning!

Arika