Time to cuddle up with a mug of pomegranate cider!
It’s spiced and fruity and warm and if you dollop it with whipped cream, you will be in HEAVEN.
Okay so… embarrassingly enough, this is not the first time I have made a recipe after a candle. I mean, I have made many. Many many many!
Back in the day I was a crazy candle lady. I even worked retail at yankee candle part time when I quit my job to blog full time. Considering I just talked about my favorite fall candles, I guess that I could still be considered crazy. But trust me – the obsession? It’s nothing like it was before.
Anyway!
Waaaay back then, they had a pomegranate cider candle and I loveeed it so much. Like, almost more than apple cider. It was just incredible – spiced but sweet, not overly sweet, and all sorts of fall feels. It smelled good enough to eat.
So here we are a decade later and I still can’t stop thinking about pomegranate cider. I’ve made a few pomegranate + apple cider drinks in the past, like these pomegranate cider mimosas and this sparkling pomegranate cider punch mocktail.
But! I wanted to do a hot version. Like warm, cozy apple cider, but pomegranate. Infused with brown sugar and spices and maybe even served with a dollop of whipped cream. Sounds amazing, right?! Head over to my instagram to see me make this step-by-step for you.
Heaven knows we all need some coziness right now!
This cider simmers on the stove just like apple cider or mulled wine – it makes your house smell incredible. Simmer for a few minutes then pour into a glass and serve while it’s piping hot. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, or a dollop of whipped cream or a shake of cinnamon.
And if you’re really feeling it, add a drop of bourbon or rum. Ahhhh.
Pomegranate Cider
Yield: 4 people
This homemade pomegranate cider recipe is perfect for cool, cozy nights. Spiced to perfection, serve topped with whipped cream and cinnamon.
-
16
ounces
pomegranate juice,
use 100% juice, not a cocktail -
2
cups
water -
½
cup
brown sugar -
3
cinnamon sticks -
2
star anise -
1 to 2
cardamom pods -
1
orange,
freshly juiced (about ½ cup) -
orange rind,
from the orange above -
for serving: whipped cream,
cinnamon sticks, pomegranate arils
In a saucepan, combine the juice, water, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, star anise, orange juice and orange rind. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Uncover and taste. If it’s too tart and not sweet enough, whisk in a bit more sugar, about ¼ cup, and simmer for a few more minutes.
Strain out the cinnamon sticks, anise and orange rind. Ladle into mugs. If desired, serve with whipped cream and cinnamon sticks!
I can feel the warmth.
