Coffee Times Coffee

Who doesn't love cider?

(it is definitely my favorite Fall drink!)

 

It's something about the Fall crisp air, harvesting apples, Halloween and Thanksgiving holidays, and the leaves falling from the trees that makes me crave all things Autumn.   (Cider is one of those things I crave!)  

For us here at Coffee Times, this is the time where we really get geared into our busy season, the weather is finally cool enough  customers want something like a Caramel Apple Cider, Cider Chai, a warm Cider :). We serve Evan's Orchard cider in our Fall drink concoctions; local, fresh pressed Kentucky Apple cider. YUM!!

Cider sacks are handy to have and make great Fall gifts. Inside are all the ingredients to spice up your apple cider, including allspice, cloves, black peppercorn, cinnamon sticks, and orange rinds.

How to make a cider sack:

Wrap up a Cider Sack by placing 8 black peppercorns, 6 whole allspice, 6 whole cloves, 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks, and 3 (3- x 1-inch) orange rind strips on a 5-inch square of cheesecloth. Gather the edges, and tie securely with kitchen string. Give it as a gift!!

Other Cider Recipes:

Mulling Spice (serve 8-10 people)

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• Zest of 1 orange (or orange peel with pith removed)
• 2 (1/2-inch thick) slices peeled fresh ginger
• 1/2 gallon organic apple cider or low-sulfide red wine
• 1 tablespoon of allspice

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat cider or wine over medium-high heat; stir in allspice, cloves, cinnamon, orange zest and ginger.

2. Bring to boiling; reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, six to eight minutes or until desired flavor is achieved.
3. Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve; discard solids. Serve warm

Spiced Cider

Combine 1 gal. apple cider, 2 qt. cranberry juice cocktail, and a Spice Bag in a large Dutch oven. Bring to a boil; partially cover, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes. Discard Cider Sack before serving. Serve hot or cold.