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Apple Cider Served In Apple Cups

urn ordinary apple cider into a beautiful fall presentation by serving it in hollowed-out apples. It's cozy, festive, and surprisingly easy—perfect for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving, book clubs, or backyard bonfires.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Appetizer
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cider
  • 8 cups apple cider
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 2 star anise optional
  • 1 orange sliced
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey optional, for extra sweetness
  • For the Apple Cups
  • 6 medium Honeycrisp Gala, or Fuji apples
  • Lemon juice to prevent browning
  • Garnishes
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Thin apple slices
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs
  • Star anise
  • Fresh cranberries optional

Method
 

  1. Warm the Cider
  2. In a large saucepan, combine:
  3. Apple cider
  4. Cinnamon sticks
  5. Cloves
  6. Star anise
  7. Orange slices
  8. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes. Do not boil.
  9. Remove the spices and orange slices before serving.
  10. Prepare the Apple Cups
  11. Slice about ½ inch off the top of each apple.
  12. Using a melon baller or spoon, carefully scoop out the inside, leaving about a ½-inch wall so the apple stays sturdy.
  13. Brush the inside lightly with lemon juice to slow browning.
  14. If desired, chill the apple cups until ready to serve.
  15. Assemble
  16. Place each apple cup on a small saucer or napkin.
  17. Ladle the warm cider into each apple.
  18. Garnish with:
  19. A cinnamon stick
  20. Thin apple slice
  21. Rosemary sprig
  22. Star anise
  23. A few fresh cranberries
  24. Serve immediately.