Fall ... and Mulled Cider!

Growing up, I remember drinking cider during the fall especially around Thanksgiving. Although, we didn’t drink it as much as other people did, which I find surprising since I grew up near apple orchards. But that’s really here nor there. I enjoy cider, but David really enjoys cider, especially if he gets to mix it with some whiskey. I know a lot of people drink it around Halloween and Thanksgiving so I thought this year I would make some mulled cider to change things up a bit and get into the swing of autumn.

FUN FACT: cinnamon dates back to 2,000 B.C., where it was imported from Egypt to China and was so highly prized that it was regarded as a gift fit for monarchs.

• 8 c Apple Cider
• 1 Orange, cut into 1/4" slices
• 3 Cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice or 2 whole allspice berries
• 1 tbsp cloves
• 2 whole star anise (optional)
• 1" piece ginger cut into coin sized slices
• 1/4 c brown sugar
• *optional spiced rum

1. Place cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and whole allspice if using it. Toast on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 1-2 minutes or until they become fragrant.
2. Add orange slices, ginger, cider/juice, and sugar.
3. Bring to boil for 5 minutes.  Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain cider before serving. For a Spiked version, add a shot of spiced rum to each glass. Either way, enjoy!

Nothing is better than when the weather starts getting crisp to make some mulled cider and sip it. It. Is. Awesome. However, I wouldn't want to get paid in cinnamon...