Mulled Cider for the Holidays

Hot mulled cider is a warm and comforting treat to serve to guests at the holidays. Find out how to make this spicy cider.

Gather around your Christmas tree this year with a steaming mug of hot apple cider infused with some of your favorite flavors. Try such spices as cinnamon, star anise, cloves and lemon peel for a delicious aroma and flavor.

Hot Mulled Cider

Serves about 20

Hot Mulled Cider

Ingredients:

• 4 whole star anise
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 4 whole cardamom pods
• 1 orange
• 1 small apple
• Cloves
• 1 gallon apple cider
• 3 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish

Directions:

1. Place star anise, lemon zest and cardamom pods in a square of cheesecloth and tie to secure.
2. Stud orange and apple with cloves.
3. Place apple cider in a large pot. Add cinnamon sticks, cheesecloth bundle and the orange and apple studded with cloves, and place over medium-low heat.
4. Bring the apple cider to a simmer and allow the cider to steep for 1 hour.
5. Serve warm in mugs, garnished with a cinnamon stick, if desired.

SOURCES

Star anise, cardamom pods, cloves and cinnamon sticks
Penzeys Spices
12001 West Capitol Drive
Wauwatosa, WI 53222
800-741-7787
Fax: 414-760-7317