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Autumn-Spiced Apple Cider Turkey Brine
3.50 from 12 votes
Elevate your holiday centerpiece with this autumnal twist on a classic. Infusing the meat with the warm, cozy flavors of fresh apple cider, cinnamon, and citrus, this brine guarantees a remarkably juicy bird with a delicate, fruity sweetness that perfectly complements rich roasted turkey.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 gallon Fresh apple cider (unsweetened, found in the produce section – do not use apple cider vinegar!)
  • 1 cup Kosher salt (essential for the brining process)
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar (packed, to enhance the cider's natural sweetness)
  • 2 whole Cinnamon sticks (adds a subtle autumn warmth)
  • 1 tbsp Whole allspice berries
  • 1 tbsp Black peppercorns
  • 1 medium Orange (sliced into thick rounds)
  • 3 sprigs Fresh rosemary (or fresh sage)
  • 1 gallon Ice water (crucial for rapidly cooling the concentrated liquid)

Instructions
 

  • In a large, heavy-duty stockpot, combine the fresh apple cider, Kosher salt, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, black peppercorns, orange slices, and fresh rosemary.
  • Place the pot over medium-high heat. Bring the aromatic liquid to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until the Kosher salt and brown sugar have completely dissolved into the cider (about 5-10 minutes).
  • Remove the pot from the heat and allow the spiced cider concentrate to cool down slightly at room temperature.
  • Pour the liquid into your designated brining container (a massive pot, a brining bucket, or a heavy-duty brining bag). Immediately add the gallon of ice water to drop the temperature fast. Wait until the liquid is entirely ice-cold before proceeding.
  • Submerge your fully thawed, raw turkey into the chilled liquid, breast-side down, ensuring it is completely covered by the liquid.
  • Transfer to the refrigerator and let the bird soak for 12 to 24 hours to absorb all those wonderful autumnal flavors.
  • Remove the turkey, discard the liquid entirely, and pat the bird incredibly dry inside and out with paper towels before roasting to ensure a perfectly crisp skin.

Nutrition

Calories: 132kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 1gFat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.04gSodium: 28350mgPotassium: 156mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 1mg
Calories: 132kcal
Meal Type: marinade, prep
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apple cider turkey brine, juicy turkey recipe, spiced cider marinade
Cooking Method: Boiled
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