Best 3 Citrus Apple Cider Recipes

Citrus apple cider is a refreshing and flavorful beverage that can be enjoyed all year round. It is made with a combination of fresh citrus fruits, apple cider, and spices, and can be easily customized to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a tart and tangy drink or a sweeter and more mellow one, there is a citrus apple cider recipe out there for you. This article provides several delicious recipes for citrus apple cider, each with its own unique blend of flavors.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CITRUS APPLE CIDER

Citrus Apple Cider image

I really enjoy this hot cider because it has a citrus tang unlike other recipes I've tried. Not only do I like the flavor combination, but I love the aroma it adds to my home. -Darlene Brenden of Salem, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 30m

Yield 5 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 quart unsweetened apple juice
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1.4 teaspoons whole cloves
Additional cinnamon sticks, optional

Steps:

In a large saucepan, combine the first eight ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Strain, discarding cinnamon sticks and cloves. Serve warm; garnish with additional cinnamon sticks if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 157 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 7mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.

SHRUNKEN APPLE HEADS IN CITRUS CIDER

Shrunken Apple Heads in Citrus Cider image

Granny Smith apples shaped like shrunken heads will surprise even the scariest goblins at your Halloween bash. And the cool cider is so refreshing.--Annette Engelbert, Bruce Crossing, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 2h35m

Yield about 1 gallon.

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

1 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon salt
4 large Granny Smith apples
16 whole cloves
1 gallon apple cider
1 can (12 ounces) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine lemon juice and salt; set aside. Peel apples. Cut each apple from the stem to the blossom end; discard seeds and core. Using a sharp knife, carefully carve a face on the rounded side of each apple half. After carving, dip each apple in lemon juice mixture for 1 minute. Drain on paper towels. , Arrange apple heads on a rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 250° for 2 hours or until apples begin to dry and shrink and are lightly browned on the edges. Cool on a wire rack. Insert cloves for eyes. Store in the refrigerator. , Just before serving, combine cider and lemonade in a punch bowl. Float shrunken apple heads in cider.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 174 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 441mg sodium, Carbohydrate 44g carbohydrate (38g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 0 protein.

APPLE CITRUS CIDER

Apple Citrus Cider image

Patricia Aurand of Findlay, Ohio shares her warm, comforting cider with a twist of pineapple and citrus that's just perfect for the season. And this tangy treat will warm hands of all sizes, big or small.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 30m

Yield 12 servings (3 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

8 cups unsweetened apple juice
3 tablespoons sugar
1 medium lemon, thinly sliced
3 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)
6 whole allspice
6 whole cloves
4 cups lemon-lime soda

Steps:

In a large saucepan, combine the apple juice, pineapple juice concentrate, sugar and lemon slices. Place the cinnamon sticks, allspice and cloves on a double thickness of cheesecloth; bring up corners of cloth and tie with kitchen string to form a bag. Add to pan., Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes. Discard spice bag. Stir in lemon-lime soda; cook for 4-6 minutes or until heated through (do not boil).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 158 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 15mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (38g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.

Tips:

Choose ripe, flavorful apples: The better the apples, the better the cider will be. Look for apples that are firm and free of bruises or blemishes.
Use a variety of apples: Using a mix of different apple varieties will give your cider a more complex flavor. Some good options include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala.
Don't peel the apples: The peels of the apples contain a lot of flavor and nutrients. Leave them on for a more flavorful cider.
Use fresh citrus fruits: The citrus fruits will add a bright, refreshing flavor to the cider. Use oranges, lemons, limes, or grapefruit, or a combination of all four.
Add spices to taste: Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves can add a warm, festive flavor to the cider. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
Let the cider simmer for at least 30 minutes: This will allow the flavors to meld and develop. You can simmer the cider for longer if you want a more concentrated flavor.
Strain the cider before serving: This will remove any solids from the cider, such as apple pulp or citrus zest. You can use a fine-mesh strainer or a cheesecloth-lined colander.

Conclusion:

Citrus apple cider is a delicious and refreshing beverage that is perfect for fall and winter gatherings. It is easy to make and can be customized to your own taste. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can enjoy a delicious cup of citrus apple cider that is sure to warm you up on a cold day.