As the temperature drops, there's nothing better than a steaming mug of Spiced Hot Cider to warm you up. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or just for sipping by the fire.
Ingredients:
- 1 gallon of fresh apple cider
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon whole allspice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup spiced rum (optional)
Start by pouring the fresh apple cider into a large pot. Add the sliced orange and lemon to the pot, along with the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and whole allspice. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it comes to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least an hour. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a delicious spiced cider.
After an hour, remove the pot from heat and strain the cider through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the solids. Return the strained cider to the pot and stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves. If you're feeling festive, you can also add a cup of spiced rum to the pot at this point.
Finally, ladle the spiced cider into mugs and garnish with cinnamon sticks or orange slices. This recipe serves a crowd and can easily be doubled or halved depending on your needs. Enjoy!