Pulling An All-Nighter with my Hot Cider

The smell of hot cider's cinnamon and nutmeg is floating through the air. The dwindling of strawberries and watermelon on the grocery aisle are replaced with pumpkins and gourds. 

It is time to hang up that swim-suit and jump into sweaters and scarves. 

Not only are wardrobes changing, but the everyday beverages are as well. Gone are sweet teas and lemonade -- hello hot cider.

What better way to end your day then kicking back with some fuzzy socks and go home to a nice hot mug of sweet, fruity cider?

With fall here, that means mid-terms are right around the corner. This means late nights, long study sessions and preparing for all the exams and papers. 

This hustle and bustle leaves most college students falling out of sync with staying hydrated, staying warm, and feeling the fall spirit.  

Coffee just does not cut it this point in the semester, which is why it is ideal to mix it up with a sweet and spicy drink. Not only does it keep you on your toes, but it gets you into that warm Autumn harvest vibe.

Here are two recipes to get started.

Maple Apple Cider

• Prep Time:5 mins
• Cook Time:1 hr
• Total Time:1 hr 5 mins
• Servings:2
• Easy

Ingredients

• 2 Honeycrisp apples chopped
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon ground
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg ground
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves whole
• 2 star anise whole
• 1 cinnamon stick

• Step 1

  In mixing bowl, add apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix together.

  

• Step 2

  Stir in maple syrup and water. Add star anise, cloves, and cinnamon stick.

  

• Step 3

  Transfer from mixing bowl into pot. Set pot to medium heat and bring to simmer. Stir periodically. Leave to simmer for 1-2 hours.

  

• Step 4

  Strain liquid from pot. Place in caning jar to serve.

Spiced Pear and Cranberry Cider

• Prep Time:5 mins
• Cook Time:1 hr
• Total Time:1 hr 5 mins
• Servings:2
• Easy

Ingredients

• 4 Bartlett pears
• 4 tablespoons sweetened dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 3 star anise whole
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves whole
• 1/4 teaspoon green cardamom pod

• Step 1

  In mixing bowl, add pears and cranberries. Mix together.

  

• Step 2

  Stir in honey and water. Add cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and cardamom.

  

• Step 3

  Transfer from mixing bowl into pot. Set pot to medium heat and bring to simmer. Stir periodically. Leave to simmer for 1-2 hours.

  

• Step 4

  Strain liquid from pot. Place in caning jar to serve.