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Simple Spiced Apple Cider

A glass mug filled with warm, amber-colored spiced apple cider, garnished with a cinnamon stick.
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Make this warm, fragrant mulled apple cider using common spices and orange peel. It is a non-alcoholic drink perfect for fall and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

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  • 1 gallon apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 orange, sliced into rounds
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup bourbon or dark rum (optional, for adult version)

Instructions

  1. Pour the apple cider into a large stockpot or slow cooker.
  2. Add the cinnamon sticks, orange slices, whole cloves, and whole allspice berries to the liquid.
  3. If you prefer a sweeter cider, stir in the brown sugar now.
  4. Heat the mixture gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, or set the slow cooker to low. Do not let it boil; you want a gentle simmer.
  5. Allow the cider to simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to let the spices infuse the liquid. The longer it simmers, the stronger the flavor.
  6. If making the spiked version, add the bourbon or rum during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
  7. Before serving, strain the cider through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the whole spices and orange pieces, or leave them in for presentation if using a slow cooker.
  8. Serve hot in mugs. Garnish each serving with a fresh orange slice or a cinnamon stick.

Notes

  • For easy cleanup, place the whole spices in a cheesecloth bag before adding them to the cider.
  • If you are using a slow cooker to keep the cider warm for guests, set it to the ‘Warm’ setting after the initial infusion period.
  • This recipe uses common pantry staples, making it a simple alternative to using meal planning services for your seasonal drinks.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/spiced-apple-cider-recipe-mulled-drink/