Cinnamon Apple Cider

A hot apple-cider drink built by gently simmering cider with whole spices, then straining and serving with fresh apple slices. The method keeps the flavor clear and aromatic rather than heavily reduced.

By Julienne

Cook time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 946 ml Apple cider unfiltered if available
• 120 ml Water
• 2 count Cinnamon sticks
• 6 count Whole cloves
• 2 g Orange zest finely grated
• 15 ml Maple syrup
• 1 count Apple thinly sliced, for serving

Instructions

1. Add the apple cider, water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange zest to a medium saucepan. The spices are submerged in the cider mixture.
2. Set the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a bare simmer, not a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 10 minutes. The cider smells strongly of cinnamon and clove, and the surface shows small, occasional bubbles.
3. Taste and stir in the maple syrup if you want a slightly sweeter cider. The cider tastes balanced and lightly sweet; this step is optional.
4. Strain the cider into heatproof mugs and top each mug with a few apple slices. The liquid is clear of whole spices and served hot with apple garnish.