Description
A warm, festive fall cocktail combining spiced apple cider with Oktoberfest lager. This easy batch-friendly drink is perfect for parties and includes a non-alcoholic variation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 gallon (3.8 liters) cloudy or fresh pressed apple cider
- 2–3 bottles (720-1080ml) Oktoberfest Lager or Amber Ale
- 1 large knob (about 2 inches) fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into coins
- 3–4 whole cinnamon sticks
- 3–4 star anise pods
- 6–8 whole cloves
- 1 cup (240ml) orange juice
- 2–4 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
- Optional garnish: thin apple slices, cinnamon sticks, rosemary sprig, cinnamon sugar for rimming
Instructions
- Prep the spices by peeling and slicing the fresh ginger into thin coins. Ensure cinnamon sticks and star anise are whole for easy removal.
- Pour the apple cider into a large pot or slow cooker. Add the ginger, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves.
- If using a stovetop, heat over medium until steaming, then reduce to low to simmer gently for 20-30 minutes. Do not boil. If using a slow cooker, combine ingredients and cook on High for 2-3 hours.
- Taste the cider and add brown sugar or maple syrup if needed, stirring until dissolved.
- Stir in the orange juice. If desired, add orange slices for aroma and garnish. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Just before serving, gently pour in the beer. Mix with a 2/3 cider to 1/3 beer ratio, adjusting to taste. Do not boil the beer.
- Ladle into mugs, straining out spices if desired. Garnish with apple slices or cinnamon sticks and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not boil the cider as it destroys fresh apple flavor and makes spices bitter. Add beer only right before serving to preserve carbonation and flavor. The spiced cider base (without beer) can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute beer with ginger ale or sparkling apple cider.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 oz
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Carbohydrates: 22
Keywords: Oktoberfest, apple cider, beer cocktail, fall recipe, spiced cider, batch cocktail, warm drink, autumn drinks