Prep: 15 Minutes Cook: 2 Hours Numbers of Serves: 10 Serves

cranberry-apple-cider-american-homemade-recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • 4 cups apple juice
  • 1 can (12 ounces) frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
  • 1 medium apple, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 medium orange, peeled and sectioned
  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • Instructions

    Combine all ingredients in a 5-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for two hours, or until the cider reaches the desired temperature. Discard the cinnamon stick. If desired, remove the fruit with a slotted spoon before serving.

    Yield

    10 servings (about 2-1/2 quarts).


    For Nutritional And Health Benefits

    This delicious beverage not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers countless health benefits. The vitamin C and antioxidants in apples and oranges play a key role in strengthening the body's immune system, making them an excellent shield against illnesses like colds and flu during the cold season. The addition of cranberry further enhances this beverage's benefits, as it is considered extremely useful for keeping the kidneys and urinary tract healthy. Cinnamon helps balance blood sugar levels and improve digestion. This dish fits beautifully into a balanced diet because no artificial sugar is added; instead, the natural sweetness of the fruit provides a healthy boost of energy. Due to its low calorie content and fiber content, this beverage is also an excellent choice for those managing their weight.

    For Pro Tips And Substitute Ingredients

    To make this traditional beverage absolutely perfect and flavorful, you must pay close attention to the cooking time over low heat, because cooking it too long can bring out a bitter taste in the fruit. A common mistake is adding too much cinnamon, which masks the drink's original flavor. If you want to make this recipe even healthier and more unique, you can use freshly squeezed fruit juice instead of the frozen juice, which will double the nutrition and freshness. Additionally, if you want to add something new as a sweetener alternative, you can include a little organic honey or a small piece of jaggery, which will give its traditional flavor a new, deeper sweetness and provide the body with instant energy.

    For Serving And Storing

    Serving this hot beverage with light, savory biscuits, roasted dried nuts, or a small sandwich platter proves to be a wonderful experience. If you're making it part of a special occasion, present it to your guests garnished with fresh mint leaves and thinly sliced orange peel. If any of this drink remains, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a clean, airtight glass jar and store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay perfectly safe and fresh for three to four days. When reheating, never use high heat; instead, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat to preserve its natural aroma and the true flavor of the fruit. If microwaving, select a medium setting to prevent nutrient loss.