Easy To Make Christmas Gifts: Spiced Cider Mix and the Cider

Our family is giving Spiced Cider Mix with the apple cider as gifts this year.  I choose flannel fabric that was easy to work with. Ribbon and snowflakes make for a perfect closure and decoration for the cider package.  I've included a tutorial that shows how easy these are to make.  Many years ago we made a bunch of these spider cider mixes with the juice and gave as gifts. We had many comments on how much they loved the cider and mix - it's unique!! Also very easy for the kids to help make - a good holiday tradition get your kids involved with making of holiday gifts.

I purchased 1/2 gallons of apple juice/cider. Spiced cider is served warm and makes a great beverage to serve at a holiday gathering. A blend of spices are added to apple cider/juice and simmered. Kids love it and so do adults.  A crock pot is an easy way to serve spiced cider for large gatherings.

 

The flannel was cut into 8 inch wide fabric strips (from the fold to the selvage) for each 1/2  gallon of apple juice. Measure your juice bottle to make sure it would fit inside this size bag.

 Turn the fabric inside out - sew each side together.  Since this is flannel I didn't do anything with the top of the bag except trim it. Pinking shearers would also be a good way to cut the top of the bag.

Make the apple cider spice mix (below) and place 1/3 - 1/2 cup mix in ziploc bags or cheesecloth.  
You might want to experiment with how much mix to add to see what tastes best with your cider. Nothing like working on your gift giving while drinking the spiced cider.

Spiced Cider Mix
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground mace
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg


Mix all ingredients. Use 1/3 - 1/2 cup per 1/2 gallon of juice.

 Turn the fabric bag right side out, insert 1/2 gallon of juice and the bag of cider mix, tie with ribbon and VOILA a semi-homemade Christmas gift! These are inexpensive gifts and so and easy to make.

If you choose to make a tag it could read:
Heat cider until hot but not boiling. Steep the Spiced Cider Mix in the liquid until sugar is dissolved.

COST: Fabric, ribbon, snowflakes (were on sale). The apple juice - $1.50 each. Total cost including the mix is about $3.00 each. 

I've been using Aspen mulling spices for years. These are my FAVORITE ready-made cider spices....

Aspen Cider Spices, Original Spice Blend, 5.65-Ounce Cartons (Pack of 9)

Aspen Mulling CIDER SPICES - Original Spice Blend - 5.65 oz CARTON

Tip Junkie is featuring top holiday trends on her blog. I'll be featuring homemade and semi-homemade food gift ideas tomorrow on her blog. Click on the button below to see all the fabulous Christmas ideas...