A warm glass of hot mulled cider is the perfect winter treat. Add a bit of Calvados or apple brandy and you have a delicious wintery cocktail. I prefer pure apple cider that is cloudy. It has a more complex flavor and is perfect for hot beverages. If you like the clear variety, though, that will work just fine.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients:
- 1 quart apple cider
- 1 orange plus 4 orange slices for garnish
- 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons candied ginger, chopped plus more for garnish
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole cloves
- 4 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Calvados or Apple Brandy (optional)
Preparation:
Using a vegetable peeler, remove the zest from the orange and lemon, then squeeze the juice and reserve.
Combine the apple cider, zest, orange and lemon juice, brown sugar and spices in a medium nonreactive saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
Remove pan from heat and add the Calvados (if using). Strain through a sieve or cheesecloth into a punch bowl. Ladle into cups and garnish with the orange slices and candied ginger. Add a cinnamon stick for a stirrer if you like. Serve hot.
