A distinctly winter version of spiced apple cider, my Aprés Ski Hot Apple Cider focuses on the freshness of the apples and is enhanced with winter spices like ginger, lemon, rosemary, and cinnamon. Perfect by the fireplace! Read below to see how I make my Aprés Ski Hot Apple Cider.
Aprés Ski Hot Apple Cider
For my Aprés Ski at Home menu, I knew I wanted to have a hot drink to enjoy by the fireplace. Yes, we’re starting with that amazing Smoked Gouda and Caramelized Onion Pull Apart Bread. But Aprés Ski at Home wouldn’t be complete without a cozy drink to keep you warm on the insides.
I loved the idea of a Hot Apple Cider that can be served straight or with a kick of alcohol. But coming off the holidays, it needed to be really distinct and refreshing. All those beautiful spices that make Hot Apple Cider seem like a perfect drink for Fall or Holiday had to be out the door. Goodbye nutmeg. Adios cloves. See you later cranberries.
Instead, I focused here on the refreshing quality of the apple. I wanted the drink to feel really fresh, and not overly sweet. So I started with a Honeycrisp Apple Cider, which is naturally a bit sweet. Unlike say a holiday version, I’m not adding brown sugar or honey but just going with the natural sweetness of the cider.
I’m focusing on that starting over feeling of January by spicing the apple cider with ginger, lemon, cinnamon (the only holiday spice that made the cut!), and rosemary. All of these flavors feel spicy but in a fresh way.
And boy oh boy, this Aprés Ski Hot Apple Cider really delivers! It actually gives a feel of a hot toddy and almost has a bit of a medicinal, reviving feel like the best tea or chicken noodle soup when you’re sick. It’s so cozy and relaxing; you can feel it making everything in life better from the inside out.
This is a perfect drink to serve at an Aprés Ski at Home Party or a Winter Movie Night because it’s wonderful on its own or you can spike it with a shot of bourbon or apple brandy. Everyone will be happy!
My Aprés Ski at Home Menu is so much fun, and there’s lots more ideas coming down the pike! So make yourself some of the Aprés Ski Hot Apple Cider, kick back, and get inspired!
Here’s how I make it.
How I Make My Aprés Ski Hot Apple Cider
Spiced Apple Cider is the kind of drink that the longer it sits, the better it gets.
Pour the apple cider into a large pot. Add in all the alpine spices including the lemon slices, cinnamon stick, peeled ginger, and rosemary. You can play with this a bit–if you like extra lemon, I would probably juice the lemon into the apple cider rather than just add the slices. If you love the taste of rosemary, add an extra sprig, and make sure to really bruise the rosemary before you add it.
I found this combo to be a lovely balance of all of the flavors. So so good!
Bring the mixture to a boil, then pull the heat back and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This is sort of the minimum–if you’d like to simmer longer and let the flavors develop further, that will work beautifully.
You can also make the spiced cider and then pour it into a slow cooker. That way, whenever the skiers are back and wanting to warm up, this will be ready. The best part of Aprés Ski at Home is that the word skiers can also just refer to your friends stopping by or your neighbor coming over for something warm.
I can’t wait for you to try this refreshing version of Hot Apple Cider! It will be worth the price of the ticket to the ski slope (or just to your couch).
Aprés Ski Hot Apple Cider
Ingredients
Method
- Pour the apple cider in a large pot. Add lemon slices, cinnamon stick, peeled ginger, and rosemary.
- Bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat, then turn the heat down to low and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve warm. A splash of bourbon or Calvados can be added to make the drink a hot cocktail.
