Kickoff this cozy season by choosing a drink that puts fall spices in the spotlight! Below is a reinvented version of the classic mulled cider. You'll win the hearts of your guests by greeting them with a full pitcher of this comforting classic, ready to be served upon arrival. A warm remedy for the winter blues!

Autumnal Spiked Cider

INGREDIENTS

Makes: 10 drinks

  • 1 gallon apple cider
  • 1 large orange
  • 2 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 apple
  • 4 cinnamon sticks (and more for garnishing glasses)
  • 4 star anise
  • 1 tablespoon cloves
  • 1 tablespoon allspice
  • 1 inch grated fresh ginger
  • 1 ½ cups spiced rum

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a large dutch oven or stainless steel pot, pour in the gallon of apple cider. It’s best to use this instead of apple juice as well as pick it up from a local cider mill. This ensures it’s fresh and authentic. It’s also excellent to support local shops!
  2. Next, zest a tablespoon or about a fourth of the orange into the pot.
  3. Then, slice the orange into quarters, and put them into the pot as well.
  4. Using a spice bag to avoid making a mess, place the cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, allspice, and ginger together.
  5. Put the stove on high, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s reached a full boil, bring it down to a simmer.
  6. Place the lid on the dutch oven or pot, and let the liquid simmer for 2 hours.
  7. After 2 hours, the spices and fruit have mulled together, and it’s time to add the rum.
  8. Lastly, remove the orange slices and spice bag.
  9. Use a ladle to pour the drinks into mugs. Then, garnish them with a cinnamon stick and apple slice.
  10. Enjoy!