Spiced Apple Cider

Ingredients

• 1 gallon fresh apple cider (not apple juice)
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole star anise
• 10 whole cloves
• 6 whole allspice berries
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds
• 1 apple, sliced into rounds
• 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
• ¼ cup brown sugar (optional, to taste)
• Orange peel twists and cinnamon sticks to serve

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine Everything

   Pour the apple cider into a large pot or slow cooker. Add cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, allspice, orange slices, apple slices, and fresh ginger.

2. 2

   Simmer Slowly

   Heat over medium heat until steaming (don't boil). Reduce heat to low and let it gently simmer for 20–25 minutes. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor.

3. 3

   Sweeten to Taste

   Taste and add brown sugar if desired, stirring until dissolved. The sweetness level depends on your cider's natural sugars.

4. 4

   Strain & Serve

   Strain the cider through a fine mesh strainer to remove all solids. Ladle into mugs.

5. 5

   Garnish & Present

   Tuck a fresh cinnamon stick and an orange peel twist into each mug. Serve immediately and watch your guests fall in love with autumn.