Hot Buttered Apple Cider Recipe

Growing up, my Dad would make homemade apple cider. It's my go to when I feel a cold coming on, nothing is more comforting than a warm glass of apple cider! We never bought store bought and it's very easy to make.

I recently received a case of delicious Envy Apples. If you haven't tried these apples yet, I strongly encourage you to do so. Envy Apples were born using natural plant-breeding methods, crossing are a cross of Braeburn with Royal Gala apples. They are slow to brown once cut and are free from GMO's. They are one of the sweeter apples I have tried and have a truly great flavor.

When I opened the case of apples, I instantly knew I wanted to make my Dad's homemade apple cider. While making it, I had a sudden craving for hot buttered rum. Hot buttered rum is made with apple cider and you can make this warm comforting drink with or without rum.  My husband was stunned that I made this drink from scratch.

Hot Buttered Apple Cider
Ingredients
½ gallon homemade apple cider (recipe below)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup unsalted butter
Cinnamon sticks & apple slices for garnish
Spiked option – add 1 shot of rum per 8oz cider

Directions
1. If you are making this right after you made the cider, use the same pot and the cider should already be simmering. You will need to measure out ½ gallon (8 cups) from what you made. Otherwise, bring 8 cups of cider to a simmer in a large stockpot
2. Add butter, cinnamon, nutmeg
3. Stir until all the butter is melted and continue to simmer while frequently stirring for 5-10 minutes 4. Taste to see if you need to add additional sweetener (brown sugar or whole cane sugar will work, I add a tablespoon at a time until desired sweet level has been reached)
5. Pour 8oz into a cup and add a whole cinnamon stick and apple slice for garnish
* If you want to make this hot buttered rum, add 1 shot of spiced rum for every 8oz

Homemade Apple Cider
Ingredients:
12 medium Envy Apples, cored and quartered
2 oranges, quartered (leave the skin on)
4 whole cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon whole cloves
16 cups Filtered water
1/2 cup brown sugar

Directions
1. Add apples, oranges and spices into a large stockpot
2. Turn to high heat until you reach a simmer. Reduce to medium low and cover for 2 hours
3. Mash the apples and oranges using a wooden spoon against the side of the pot to release flavor. Let simmer for another 30 minutes.
4. Strain the juice 3 times into a pitcher, removing solids and pulp (I used a cheesecloth)
5. Add brown sugar to the pitcher with the strained juice

Envy Apples Event in Tampa!
I will be one of a few select Tampa bloggers at a Envy Apples Publix Aprons Cooking School at the Shoppes of Citrus Park and we will be showcasing our recipes. The free event is from 5:30 -7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec 5. All guests at the event will be treated to free samples of Envy apples. Guests will receive copies of the recipes, and a gift bag of holiday surprises (while supplies last)

Aprons Cooking School is located on the second floor of the Publix store - Shoppes at Citrus Park, 7835 Gunn Hwy in Tampa. The phone number is (813) 926-6664. The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required.

Envy Apples $200 Williams Sonoma Giveaway

Envy Apples wants to teach you how to create the perfect Charcuterie board. Now through 12/31, you can enter to win one of fifteen $200 gift certificates to Williams Sonoma and a case of Envy Apples! After you enter the contest, you will receive a free download for a step-by-step guide helping you create the perfect spread.  Click here to enter!

This post was sponsored by Envy Apples through my partnership with Tampa Bay Bloggers.