Name: Summer Cider
Prep time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup (250ml) sour cherry juice ((or cranberry juice, if it's more readily available)); 1 cup (250ml) peach or apricot nectar; 8 whole allspice; 2 handfuls assorted fresh summer fruit ( (to garnish, optional))

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Summer cider: the mulled apple cider of summer, made with fresh, in-season fruit juices and the subtle flavour of allspice.

This is a recipe that I created on a day which began with every intention (on my part) of making a nice, cold, summery drink for you all. That is, it was until I stepped outside. I expected to find a warm summer day, but no… there was wind, and rain, and cold!!!

Needless to say, I just couldn’t bring myself (on a day like that) to create a post about a cold beverage. Instead, I opted to take a perusal through my local grocery store aisles and let myself dream a little.

That, my friends, is how this recipe was born.

What is summer cider?

Summer cider is the name I’ve given to this summer fruit juice version of my favourite fall drink, mulled apple cider. Rather than using apple juice as the base, however, it is made with a couple of summer fruit juices, and mulled with allspice rather than cloves and cinnamon.

How to make summer cider

This recipe is probably one of the easiest things you’ll ever make. All you need to do is combine the juices in a pot with whole allspice and allow the mixture to cook on low heat until the juices are hot and the allspice has been given the necessary time to infuse the mixture with its woody/scented flavour.

Recipe substitutes/additions

Juices

You can make summer cider with any combination of your favourite summer fruit juices. Apple juice, although more of a “fall” fruit, makes a great addition to this recipe as well. Try making summer cider with any combination of the following:

Apple juice
Cherry juice
Raspberry juice
Grape juice
Cranberry juice
Orange juice
Peach juice/nectar
Apricot juice/nectar
Mango juice/nectar
Carrot juice (freshly squeezed, a small amount)

Spices

To pair with the summer fruit juices, I make my summer cider with just allspice. However, if you love the warm flavours of cinnamon and clove, you could certainly try adding those as well. For this recipe, 1/2 a cinnamon stick and 2 cloves is plenty to give your drink lots of extra flavour.

How to serve summer cider

I recommend serving this drink any of the following ways. These are all great options, and all so beautiful!

Hot
This drink is delicious served hot on a cool rainy day when you’re wishing for some sunshine!
Cold, over ice
Prepare this drink ahead of time and then serve it cold over ice with some fresh fruit.
With fresh fruit
Try serving summer cider hot or cold in clear glass cups with chopped fresh fruit and a spoon. Beautiful and delicious!

You will need:

Ingredients (see recipe card)
Small 2-quart heavy bottomed saucepan
Measuring cups or measuring pitcher
Sharp knife (for cutting fresh fruit)
Small ladle
Mugs or teacups, for serving

Summer Cider

Makes 2 servings

Course beverages

Cuisine Canadian

Keyword cider, fruit juice, mulled

Prep Time 20 minutes

Servings 2 people

Author Naomi

Ingredients

1 cup (250ml) sour cherry juice (or cranberry juice, if it's more readily available)
1 cup (250ml) peach or apricot nectar
8 whole allspice
2 handfuls assorted fresh summer fruit (to garnish, optional)

Instructions

Combine the juices and allspice in a small pot; warm on the stove top until it comes nearly to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-25 minutes.
Remove the allspice, pour into mugs, and enjoy! Garnish with fresh fruit (in the cups or on the side) if desired. Serve hot.