RECIPE // (SPIKED) MULLED CIDER

I am still having trouble grasping the idea that it’s December.  Where did 2014 go?  Each year seems to pass more quickly than the last.  It’s scary, but a great reminder to continue making the most of our time here!   There is a lot to reflect on and even more to look forward to in 2015.  🙂

With that, I have been lucky enough to have great company and good food for the holidays away from home.  It is hard to believe it already has been over a year since I moved out here and I am forever grateful for all those who have made this strange place into a warm and welcome home.  With good food and good company, there must always be good drinks.  😉  I have been making this spiked version of mulled cider for several of my holiday dinners.  It has been a huge hit across the board!  If you have an upcoming holiday dinner, this recipe literally takes 10-15 minutes and will keep everyone cheery for the winter season!

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 2 sliced oranges
• 1/4 nutmeg, grated
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 3 teaspoons whole cloves
• 2 teaspoons whole allspice berries
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar (optional – if you have fresh apple cider, it’s likely sweet enough already)
• 1/2 liter (500 mL) spiced rum (optional)
• cinnamon sticks, garnish
• cheesecloth (optional)

If you have a cheesecloth, cut a small piece to tie up a bundle with the cloves and allspice berries.  Combine all the ingredients in a stockpot and drop the cheesecloth bundle into the mixture. Slowly bring the mulled cider to a simmer.  Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.  Once the mulled cider is off the heat, add the rum.  You can slowly add brown sugar until the spices and rum blend harmoniously.  Of course, if you like an extra kick to your mulled cider, feel free to add more rum to your liking.  Pour the spiked mulled cider into cups right away and serve with a cinnamon stick and orange slices to garnish.