Hot Spiced Cider

Apple cider is gently simmered with whole spices, orange, and fresh ginger, then strained and served hot. The result is a clear, aromatic drink with soft fruit sweetness and a spice-forward finish.

By Julienne

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 960 ml apple cider store-bought, unfiltered if available
• 120 ml water for simmering and spice extraction
• 1 each orange washed, thinly sliced
• 15 g fresh ginger peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 each cinnamon sticks whole
• 8 each whole cloves whole
• 6 each allspice berries whole
• 20 g brown sugar optional, to taste
• 1 g salt fine

Instructions

1. Combine the apple cider, water, orange slices, ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, salt, and optional brown sugar in a 4 L saucepan. All ingredients are in the pan and the sugar has dissolved as the liquid warms.
2. Set the pan over medium heat and bring the liquid to a bare simmer, not a hard boil. Small bubbles appear around the edge and steam is fragrant, with no vigorous boiling.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 15 minutes, partially covered. The cider tastes spiced and the orange has softened; the liquid is warm and aromatic.
4. Strain the cider through a fine-mesh strainer into a heatproof pitcher or directly into mugs. The drink is clear of spice solids and ready to serve hot.
5. Serve immediately. Each mug is hot to the touch and the aroma of cinnamon and citrus is pronounced.