Shrunken Head Apple Cider
This easy shrunken head apple cider combines warm cider and whole spices with creepy carved apple heads for a fun, kid-friendly Halloween drink. Fresh apple slices act as little rafts to keep the shrunken heads visible on top.
Servings 8 cups
Calories 173kcal
Ingredients
- 5 firm apples such as Granny Smith, divided
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice divided
- 8 cups non-alcoholic apple cider
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 whole star anise
Instructions
Make the shrunken apple heads:
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel 4 of the apples and cut each one in half vertically. Remove the cores and seeds with a melon baller or small spoon.
- Using a small paring knife or melon baller, carve simple faces into the rounded side of each apple half. Make the eyes and mouths fairly large and deep since the features will become less distinct as the apples shrink.
- Brush the apples lightly all over with about half of the lemon juice. Arrange them cut-side down and carved-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the apples have shriveled and begun to dry and lightly brown around the edges. If they aren't wrinkled enough after 1 1/2 hours, continue baking in 15-minute increments for up to 1 hour longer.
Make the spiced cider:
- During the last 20 minutes of baking, add the apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves and star anise to a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Bring just to a simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not boil. Strain out the spices if desired.
Prepare the apple slices:
- Just before serving, cut the remaining apple crosswise into approximately 1/4-inch (6-mm) rounds. Remove any visible seeds. Brush the slices lightly with the remaining lemon juice.
Serve:
- Ladle the warm cider into mugs. Float one fresh apple slice on top of each mug, then place a shrunken apple head on the apple slice. Serve warm.
- The shrunken apple heads can be made up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container after cooling completely. You can also prepare the spiced cider ahead of time. Strain out the whole spices, cool the cider and refrigerate it in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving.
Notes
- The exact baking time for the apple heads will depend on the size, variety and moisture content of the apples. They should look noticeably wrinkled and somewhat dry but do not need to be completely dehydrated.
- Smaller apples work especially well for individual mugs.
- As written, all of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan. If needed for an allergy, check the label of your packaged apple cider for any added ingredients.
- The nutrition information provided is calculated as a courtesy and is only an estimate. I am not a licensed nutritionist or dietitian. For the most accurate nutritional data, consult a professional or use your preferred calculator.
Nutrition
Calories: 173kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 373mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 69IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg