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Spiked Mulled Apple Cider
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Spiked Apple Cider

Spiked apple cider is a warming beverage perfect during the cool holiday season! Easily customize it with your choice of spices and liquor. 
Yield: 8 ¾ cups ( 70 oz)
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Steep Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Servings: 14 five ounce pours
Author: Maryanne Cabrera

Ingredients

  • 8 cups (1/2 gallon, 64 oz) apple cider, or unfiltered apple juice*
  • ½ orange, cut into slices
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 Tbsp cloves
  • 1 Tbsp all spice berries
  • 2 whole star anise
  • 6 Tbsp dark brown sugar, packed
  • 1 ¾ cup (14 oz) spiced rum, or dark liquor of choice*

One Serving:

  • 4 oz mulled apple cider
  • 1 oz spiced rum

Instructions

  • In a large pot, combine apple cider, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, and star anise. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and partially cover pot. Simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and add brown sugar. Stir to combine. Keep pot covered and steep spices for another 30 minutes. Strain and discard spices.
  • Bring mixture back to simmer.
    *If making a large batch, pour in rum.
    *If making a single serving, portion out 4 to 8 oz of mulled apple cider and add 1 oz rum.
    Serve warm. Garnish with orange slices, cinnamon stick, or desired spices.

Notes

Apple Cider:
  • Apple cider refers to unfiltered apple juice. This apple juice is cloudier and thicker than standard apple juice. Apple cider should only have one ingredient- APPLES!
  • Don't confuse apple cider for hard cider or sparkling apple cider. Those are completely different products. 
Liquor Choice:
  • I recommend spiced rum. Other options include: dark rum or aged rum, brandy, whiskey or bourbon. 
  • You may also add a touch of flavored liqueur such as Calvados, Tuaca, Cointreau, or Amaretto. I suggest adding 1/2 oz of flavored liqueur per serving. 
Storage:
  • Mulled apple cider will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for 5 days. The liquor may be added immediately after cooking the cider. Or, it can be added later just before serving. 

Nutrition

Calories: 89kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 165mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 18IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 0.4mg