Chances are, you've heard of hot apple cider. Adding spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg gives the cider a warm, comforting flavor. It's a fall favorite, often served at Halloween and Thanksgiving gatherings, but honestly, it's enjoyable any time of year.
But can you microwave apple cider?
The short answer is yes; you can microwave apple cider! But, before you run for the fridge, you'll want to keep a few things in mind when doing this.
First of all, make sure the cider is in a microwave-safe container. Second, only heat the cider for a short time - about one to two minutes should do it, depending on your microwave. And finally, be careful when you take the hot cider out of the microwave - it will be hot!
In this article, we'll go over the best way to microwave apple cider so that it's both safe and delicious! And as a bonus, we'll share some of our favorite microwaved cider recipes.
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How to Microwave Apple Cider
Warming apple cider in the microwave is a quick and easy way to enjoy this fall favorite. Just mix the apple cider with your desired spices in a microwave-safe mug.
You'll know whether your cup is microwavable by checking for a symbol with squiggly lines on the bottom. If you find this symbol or the words "microwave-safe," it means the cup is safe to go in the microwave.
Heat the mug for one to two minutes or until the cider is hot. Be careful when taking it out of the microwave, as it will be steaming hot. Then, just stir thoroughly, and enjoy! For extra flavor, you can also garnish your cider with a cinnamon stick or a few cranberries.
This method is perfect for those chilly days when you want something warm to drink but don't want to wait for a simmering pot of cider on the stove.
Apple Cider vs. Apple Juice: What's The Difference?
Apple Cider and Apple Juice are sometimes used as different names for the same product. There is, believe it or not, a substantial difference between the two. However, most states don't have strict labeling standards, so sometimes, it's hard to know what you're getting. Here’s a summary of the difference between cider and juice.
The name apple cider often refers to raw apple juice that doesn't undergo a filtration process. This means that cider can contain bits of apple pulp or sediment, giving it a cloudy appearance. And because it’s not filtered, it retains more of the apple's nutrients.
The process for making apple cider is pretty straightforward. First, the apples are washed and cut. Next, they're mashed or ground into a pulp and mixed with water. The mixture then goes into a press that extracts the juice. And that's it!
On the other hand, apple juice comes from filtered boiled apples, so it doesn't contain all bits of pulp or sediment. This gives the juice a clean, clear appearance. The liquid is then pasteurized and often sweetened, so, as a result, apple juice has a sweeter taste than cider.
Is It OK to Microwave Apple Juice?
Yes, it's safe to microwave apple juice. But just like with cider, you'll want to use a microwave-safe container and only heat the liquid for a short time.
Substituting apple juice for cider is a great way to make an apple cider recipe during the off-season when cider is more challenging to find. Many people prefer to use juice because it's readily available and has a longer shelf life.
And because apple juice comes filtered, you don't have to worry about bits of pulp or it being too cloudy. Just keep in mind the flavor may vary slightly since the juice is sweeter and less robust than cider.
Easy Hot Apple Cider Recipes
Now that you know how to microwave apple cider, it's time to get inspired with recipes! Here are three of our personal favorites to get started with:
Hot Apple Cider For One
This recipe from Food.com is a breeze to make and dangerously delicious!
The recipe calls for either apple cider or juice, so it's perfect if you can't find cider or want to use what you have on hand. All you need is a mug, apple cider (or juice), cinnamon stick, a couple of whole cloves, allspice, and brown sugar.
And just like that, you can be sipping on this mouthwatering fall favorite in less than five minutes.
Single-Serving Apple Cider
This recipe from Lasso The Moon is the perfect treat for those chilly nights when you're cozied up with your loved ones on the couch.
This warm and inviting cider can be made in the microwave using only a few ingredients, including apple cider or juice, brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon. And the best part is the whip cream and cinnamon on top, making it a tasty treat for kids!
The next time you're in the mood for a hot cup of apple cider, why not try this family favorite?
Hot Spiced Cider
This recipe from Accessible Chef boasts just two ingredients: apple cider and cinnamon. Hot cider doesn't get any easier than this no-fuss recipe that's ready in minutes.
All you need to do is pour the cider into a mug, sprinkle in some cinnamon, and pop it into the microwave. Simple, right?
But if you're feeling fancy, you can always add a slice of orange, a dash of nutmeg, or even a splash of whiskey or rum. So no matter how you like your cider, this recipe is a flavorful start to getting your creative gears turning!
Parting Thoughts
Well, there you have it. Apple cider and apple juice are not only safe to microwave, but they're also delicious when hot! Just don't forget to use a microwave-safe container and be careful when handling and drinking hot liquids.
And, if you're feeling inspired, whip up one of these recipes the next time you're in the mood for a hot cup of cider. Your taste buds will thank you!
