Hot Spiked Cider

As the days get colder and colder we find ourselves looking for nice hot drinks to keep our hands and bodies warm don’t we? So I turned to one of my favorite traditional fall drinks this year thus far – Apple Cider except, I made a spiked version this time. This drink is a perfect antidote to those winter chills and can also be made without the alcohol if you’re not looking for a spiked version.  It’s a nice spicy sipper for cold days that will always put a smile on your face every time you sip it, especially as you watch your favorite television shows. And it’s a wonderful unexpected staple that can be served at parties as well.

Unsure what to do this weekend? That’s easy. Snag this recipe, invite some friends over, play lounge music …serve some hors d’oeuvres. I promise you, your weekend will be the most fun and talked about among your colleagues. Enjoy!

Ingredients: {makes 8 servings}

8 cups apple cider or apple juice

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

6 cinnamon sticks

1 tsp whole allspice

1 tsp whole cloves

pinch of nutmeg {optional}

8 thin orange wedges {optional}

1 cup rum {dark is better, but I used what I had which is light}

Directions:

In a saucepan bring all ingredients to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain out all ingredients. Serve cider in mugs. If desired, put cinnamon stick and orange wedges in each mug.

Tips:

1. For easier straining, stud orange wedges with the cloves, or

2. Make a spice bag by placing cinnamon, allspice, whole cloves on a 6 inch square piece of cheesecloth tying all corners together with a clean string. Add bag to cider mixture.