Description
A festive and flavorful brunch drink that combines simmered spiced apple cider with dry champagne or sparkling wine. This batch-friendly recipe is naturally gluten-free, easy to make ahead, and perfect for fall and winter gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 gallon (3.8 liters) unfiltered apple cider
- 4–5 whole star anise pods
- 3 large cinnamon sticks
- 6–8 whole cloves
- 1 whole nutmeg (freshly grated) or 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 1 bottle (750ml) Champagne or Brut Sparkling Wine
- 2–4 tablespoons simple syrup (optional, only if cider is tart)
Instructions
- Zest the oranges and set aside. Measure out the star anise, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
- Pour the apple cider and water into a large saucepan. Add the orange zest, star anise, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Stir everything together and place the pot over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer (small bubbles, not a rolling boil).
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent spices from sticking to the bottom.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow spices to settle.
- Strain the cider through a fine-mesh strainer into a large pitcher or bowl, discarding the spices. For a clearer drink, strain again through cheesecloth.
- Let the spiced cider cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold.
- Chill the Champagne or sparkling wine thoroughly in the refrigerator or freezer.
- To assemble, fill each flute 1/3 full with the cold spiced cider, then top with cold Champagne.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick or thin orange slice and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not skip the simmering step as it infuses the spices deeply into the cider. Use fresh nutmeg for the best flavor. Ensure both the cider and champagne are very cold before mixing to preserve bubbles. The spiced cider can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Do not freeze the spiced cider as it may alter the texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 flute
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8
- Carbohydrates: 10
Keywords: spiced apple cider mimosa, brunch recipe, fall drinks, winter cocktails, gluten-free drinks, batch cocktail, apple cider recipe, champagne mimosa