The Apple Cider Recipe Everyone Asked For

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If you ever stopped by Diamond In The Rust between the first cool days of fall and Christmas, you probably remember the smell before you even got through the door. There was always a big urn of apple cider warming in the shop, and almost every day, multiple people would ask, "Can I get your recipe?"

Well, friends, here it is. Finally written down.

Truth be told, I always eyeballed it. But if I had to put it in writing, this is it. The secret is simpler than you'd think: three parts unfiltered apple cider to one part unfiltered apple juice. It gives you a fuller, smoother apple flavor. And I go easy on the spices so the apples still shine.

What you'll need

• 3 quarts unfiltered apple cider
• 1 quart unfiltered apple juice
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon whole allspice
• 2 star anise
• Honey or maple syrup, to taste (we use our Beeholden Farms raw honey)

Making a bigger or smaller batch? Just keep the 3 to 1 ratio of cider to juice and adjust the spices to taste.

How I made it in the shop

I used one of those big party-size coffee urns, the kind with a spout on the front. Just take out the inner coffee basket and use it like a giant cider warmer.

1. Remove the inner basket and stem from the coffee urn.
2. Pour in the cider and apple juice.
3. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and star anise. Tie the small spices in a bit of cheesecloth so they don't clog the spout.
4. Turn it on and let it heat through and steep for about an hour.
5. Taste, and stir in honey or maple syrup a little at a time if you'd like it sweeter.
6. Fill your mugs right from the spout and add a cinnamon stick to each one.

The urn keeps it warm all day, and everyone can help themselves. It's perfect for parties, open houses, and holiday get-togethers.

No urn? No problem

• Stovetop: bring everything just to a simmer in a large pot, then turn the heat to low for 30 to 60 minutes. Don't let it boil.
• Slow cooker: cook on low for 2 to 4 hours, then switch to warm.

Tips from behind the counter

• Start light on the spices. You can always add a few more cloves or allspice berries later, but you can't take them out.
• Keep it going all day. Add more cider and juice as it goes down, keeping that 3 to 1 ratio.
• Make your house smell amazing. Even if no one's coming over, a pot of warm cider is the coziest air freshener there is.
• Make it ahead. Cider keeps in the fridge for about a week. Reheat gently.

I hope this brings back a few happy shop memories for you. If you make it, I'd love to hear about it.

With love,
Misty

Shop: Sweeten your cider with our raw local honey, and stir it in with a mini wooden honey dipper. Want that cozy cider smell without the cooking? Try our Kitchen Grove botanical simmer pot blend.

Keep reading: Want a little extra spice in your mug? Try a spoonful of cinnamon honey from Infused Honey 101: Cinnamon, Lavender, Chili & More. Celebrating something special? Here's how we rim our glasses with honey, plus a sparkling cranberry cider anyone can toast with.