Learn How to Make Apple and Cranberry Cider with this Recipe

We're going to show you how to make apple and cranberry cider, a drink that stands out for its concentration in antioxidants and that could also be prepared without alcohol.

Written and verified by the nutritionist Saúl Sánchez Arias.

Last update: 30 May, 2023

Apple and cranberry cider is a very refreshing and tasty drink. It’s a good choice for special celebrations, and can really surprise your guests. In addition, it contains a significant amount of antioxidants. However, it shouldn’t be consumed on a regular basis, as it’s made from an alcohol-containing liquid.

Before starting, it’s important to note that it’s advisable to limit the intake of alcohol to protect your overall long-term health. This substance is toxic to the body regardless of the dose consumed. For this reason, it shouldn’t appear regularly in your diet. It’s fine to prepare a cocktail every so often, but the less the better.

Ingredients of apple and cranberry cider

To elaborate an exquisite apple and cranberry cider, the following ingredients will be necessary:

• 2 quarts of a cup of apple cider
• 1/2-quarter cup of cranberry juice with no sugar added
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
• Spiced rum or cinnamon liqueur to taste
• 1 orange

Step-by-step instructions

1. Mix all the ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Heat the liquid until it boils and then lower the temperature.
3. Continue cooking for 15 minutes.
4. Then pour the mixture into individual cups and add a little spiced rum to finish. This last step is optional. It’s important to note that much of the alcohol in the cider will have evaporated during cooking.
5. To finish, it’s only necessary to garnish with fresh orange slices.
6. It is always recommended to serve it hot. It’s possible to store it in the refrigerator in a glass jar, tightly covered, but, before consuming it, it’s advisable to heat it in the microwave.

Benefits of cranberries

We shouldn’t miss this opportunity to talk about the main health benefits of cranberries. It’s important to include this fruit in the context of a varied and balanced diet. If there’s a deficit of essential micronutrients, inefficiencies in the functioning of human physiology can occur, leading to the development of chronic and complex pathologies.

They help prevent the development of diseases

Cranberries contain a large amount of phytochemicals with antioxidant capacity. These elements, among which flavonoids stand out, reduce the formation of free radicals and their subsequent accumulation in the body’s tissues. This mechanism is linked to a better state of health over time, according to a study published in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.

Among all the compounds with antioxidant activity present in blueberries, anthocyanins stand out. There’s evidence that these elements reduce the incidence of neurodegenerative pathologies and provide protection to the human body. It’s important to include them in your diet on a regular basis in order to benefit from this effect.

They help to fight diabetes

Another positive feature of cranberries is that they help to fight metabolic pathologies. This is due to the action of the phytochemicals they contain. These substances improve insulin sensitivity and thus the utilization of energy substrates.

It should be noted that type 2 diabetes is a pathology that has become endemic worldwide. Many people have developed it, and it depends primarily on lifestyle habits. Once it becomes established, the risk of suffering other types of complex diseases shoots up, being linked to problems such as cancer or cardiovascular dysfunction.

They reduce blood pressure

According to research published in the journal Food & Function , the anthocyanins contained in cranberries also have a positive effect on blood pressure levels.

This is considered one of the main risk factors for the development of pathologies related to the heart. The level of blood pressure is very much determined by lifestyle habits and includes stress.

However, several plant foods have the ability to reduce blood pressure. Those with a high potassium content can perform this function. Cocoa, thanks to the presence of polyphenols in its interior, also helps.

However, to really experience a significant change it’s advisable to maintain a good state of body composition and encourage the practice of regular physical exercise.

They improve the lipid profile

Until a few years ago we were always advised to reduce cholesterol levels to protect our overall long term health. Today, the advice has changed. The focus is on ensuring an adequate supply of antioxidant substances to prevent lipoprotein degeneration, which could lead to the formation of atheroma plaques.

Cranberries, as a source of antioxidants, work wonderfully in reducing the formation of oxidized very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). This is the lipoprotein that’s considered to be the most dangerous type. Now, with this goal in mind, it’s vital to encourage the presence of plant-based foods in the diet and avoid toxic and other inflammatory elements such as trans fats.

Make apple cider and cranberry cider at home the easy way

As you’ve seen, making apple and cranberry cider at home is simple. You don’t need many ingredients or much time to achieve an exquisite result. However, if rum is added at the end, you should drink this cocktail in moderation, as the alcohol content would be significant. This substance is harmful to health regardless of the dose consumed.

Finally, remember that the consumption of antioxidant foods such as cranberries should be complemented with other strategies in the medium term to maintain good health.

It’s important to practice regular physical exercise and prioritize strength work. Exposure to sunlight will make a difference by minimizing the risk of vitamin D deficiency and, with it, the incidence of chronic pathologies.