Cinnamon Pear Cider (Printable Version)
Fragrant warming blend of ripe pears, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg in unfiltered apple cider.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fruits
01 - 4 ripe pears, cored and sliced
02 - 1 medium apple, cored and sliced (optional, for depth of flavor)
→ Liquids
03 - 4 cups apple cider, unfiltered preferred
04 - 1/2 cup water
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
→ Spices & Sweeteners
06 - 2 cinnamon sticks
07 - 4 whole cloves
08 - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, or to taste
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
# How To Make It:
01 - In a large saucepan, combine pears, apple (if using), apple cider, water, and lemon juice.
02 - Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. Stir to combine.
03 - Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
04 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until the fruit is very tender and the flavors are well blended.
05 - Remove from heat. Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the cider into a heatproof pitcher or bowl, pressing on the fruit to extract as much liquid as possible.
06 - Stir in honey or maple syrup to taste while the cider is still hot.
07 - Serve warm, garnished with a cinnamon stick or pear slice if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It turns an ordinary evening into something that feels like a hug in a mug
- The pear sweetness balances perfectly with cinnamon spice without being cloying
02 -
- Dont rush the straining step because pressing the fruit releases the most intense pear flavor into your final cider
- Whole spices are non negotiable here since ground spices will make your drink grainy and muted
03 -
- Taste your pears before starting and adjust your sweetener accordingly since some varieties are much sweeter than others
- If you want a clearer cider, let it strain naturally without pressing the fruit, though you will get less yield