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Simmering Apple Cider Potpourri

This simmering apple cider potpourri involves combining apple juice with warming spices like cinnamon, star anise, and citrus slices. The mixture is gently heated on the stove, releasing a fragrant aroma that fills the home with cozy, seasonal scent and creates a warm, slightly thickened liquid with infused spices and fruit pieces floating throughout.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: seasonal
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups apple cider preferably unfiltered for more aroma
  • 2 sticks cinnamon whole cinnamon sticks
  • 3 stars star anise whole star anise pods
  • 1 orange orange slices fresh, thinly sliced
  • 1 lemon lemon slices optional, for added citrus aroma

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Pour the apple cider into a saucepan and place it over medium heat.
  2. Add the whole cinnamon sticks and star anise to the cider, releasing their fragrant oils into the liquid.
  3. Lay thin slices of orange and lemon into the cider, allowing their bright citrus scent to mingle with the spices.
  4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, listening for the soft bubbling and noticing the steam that rises from the surface.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer slowly for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to steep and infuse thoroughly.
  6. Turn off the heat and carefully remove the cinnamon sticks, star anise, and citrus slices if desired—these can be used again or discarded.
  7. Serve the fragrant cider hot in mugs, watching the spices and fruit bits gently swirl with each pour.

Notes

Feel free to customize with extra spices like cloves or add a splash of vanilla extract for a richer aroma. Keep warm on low heat to maintain fragrance and temperature.