A Holiday Apple Cider Bar + Printable Freebies

Apple Cider is a staple in our house this time of year… the smell alone makes me dream of warm and cozy places, like nestling by a fire after a day of skiing or opening the first present under the tree on Christmas eve.  Everyone prefers their cider prepared a bit differently, so I decided to put together a complete apple cider bar, to be enjoyed by all whether at a large party or small family gathering. 

To encourage people to get creative, an assortment of cider toppings includes cinnamon sticks, cranberry juice, bourbon and salted caramel sauce.  A variety of fresh apples (Macintosh, Gala, Fuji, Golden Delicious) garnishes the wooden kitchen cart and adds a pop of fresh, seasonal color.  Tip: whether you serve your cider cold in a dispenser or warm from the stove, cut some thin slices of whole apple from the center of the core, and toss them into your cider for garnish.

The recipe for homemade cider is below, along with a link to FREE printable labels, designed by yours truly and available in either round or standard labels.

Happy Holidays! 

 photos © cake. 2011

Download Free Printable Labels HERE 

Homemade Apple Cider

Ingredients 
10 apples
quartered 3/4 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground allspice

Directions 
Place apples in a large stockpot and add enough water cover by at least 2 inches. Stir in sugar, cinnamon, and allspice. Bring to a boil. Boil, uncovered, for 1 hour. Cover pot, reduce heat, and simmer for 2 hours. Strain apple mixture though a fine mesh sieve. Discard solids. Drain cider again though a cheesecloth lined sieve. Refrigerate until cold if desired.