Brrr, winter is still going strong here in Vancouver! We've had another blitz of snow and it's wet and chilly. Chilly weather calls for fire places, soft fuzzy blankets and definitely warm beverages. Warmed Mulled Apple Cider was a no-brainer tonight, to go with the above chilly damp weather "protocol".
I love the sweet and bitter combo of apples (cider and slices) combined with citrus in Mulled Cider. The key is to ensure that you strike a balance between the sweet and the acid. A little bit of infused citrus will go a long way.
I like to use unfiltered apple apple cider. Unfiltered apple cider has a stronger, earthier taste that compliments the warmth of the spices. I like to purchase unfiltered apple cider straight from local apple farmer's at the farmers market. Nothing beats the refreshing taste of fresh pressed juice!
Here's to staying cozy tonight!
Enjoy,
Krista
Mulled Apple Cider
Makes 4-6 servings
Ingredients
6 cups unfiltered apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
3 cloves
3 whole cardamom pods, squish with blade of knife to just crack open pod
2 apples, quartered, cored and sliced into 1/8" strips
2 oranges, cut into 1/2 - 1/4" wheels (make sure skins are washed + reserve a few for garnish)
*optional: 1 oz of rum or brandy, or 1 oz of cointreau if you would like to play up the orange flavour
Method
In a large sauce pan, add apple cider, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, cardamom pods, apple slices and oranges. Bring to a slight boil then remove pan from heat and cover to steep for 30 minutes. If using rum (or cointreau), pour 1 oz into each individual mug. Ladle warm cider and fruit into mugs and garnish with orange wheel.
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