Warming Winter Spice-Infused Apple Cider

1. Combine Ingredients in Saucepan

Start by pouring 4 cups of fresh apple cider into a medium saucepan. Add 4 whole black peppercorns, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 whole dried cloves, and 1 star anise to the cider. Using a vegetable peeler, cut a large (1 x 4-inch) piece of orange peel and add it to the mixture.

2. Heat and Simmer

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the cider mixture to a boil. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This simmering process allows the spices to infuse their flavors into the cider, creating a warm and aromatic blend. You’ll know it’s ready when you see the mixture gently bubbling.

3. Strain Mixture

Once the cider has simmered, carefully strain the mixture into a 4-cup glass measuring cup to remove the spices and orange peel. This step ensures that your drink is smooth and free of any spice fragments.

4. Serve Hot Cider

Pour the hot cider into mugs or heatproof glasses. If you prefer a spirited version, you can add 2 tablespoons of good bourbon to each mug.

5. Garnish and Serve

Next, slice the navel orange crosswise into ¼-inch-thick half-rounds and add one slice to each mug. Do the same with the crisp red apple, slicing it crosswise into ¼-inch-thick half-rounds and removing the core, then adding one slice to each glass. Finally, serve each drink with a cinnamon stick, which adds a festive touch and can be used as a stirrer. Enjoy the warmth and spices of this delightful winter drink.