Mulled Cider

Name: Mulled Cider
Ingredients: 2 quarts fresh apple cider; 1/4 cup (packed) light brown sugar; 2 bay leaves; 2 cinnamon sticks (about 2 inches each); 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves; 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg; Zest of 1 orange, peeled in continuous spiral if possible; 1 ounce per serving of rum, brandy, or Calvados (optional); 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 2 cups (packed) dark brown sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

14 ingredients

10 steps

Ingredients

2 quarts fresh apple cider
1/4 cup (packed) light brown sugar
2 bay leaves
2 cinnamon sticks (about 2 inches each)
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
Zest of 1 orange, peeled in continuous spiral if possible
1 ounce per serving of rum, brandy, or Calvados (optional)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups (packed) dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions

1

Combine the cider, light brown sugar, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, and orange zest in a large pan.
2

Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered 30 minutes.
3

Strain the spices from the mixture and discard.
4

Return the cider to pan and keep warm.
5

The cider is ready to be served as is.
6

If spiking it, pour 1 ounce of the preferred liquor into each serving mug and fill with the hot cider.
7

If the cider is to be embellished with the spiced butter, cream the butter and dark brown sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
8

Add the spices and continue beating 1 minute more.
9

Float a heaping teaspoon of the butter on top of each serving of hot cider.
10

Store any leftover butter in the refrigerator for future batches of mulled cider.