In New England, they have a traditional seasonal drink called hot mulled cider.
It is made from steaming apple cider containing an orange studded with cloves, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg; holiday flavours in a delicious combination that is sure to please on those perfect holiday evenings with friends.
New England Hot Mulled Cider
New England Hot Mulled Cider
Ingredients:
½ Gallon Apple Cider (unfiltered, fresh is best)
¼ cup Brown Sugar
15 Allspice Berries
15 Cloves
7 Pods Cardamom
4, 3 inch Cinnamon Sticks
1 teaspoon Nutmeg
1 Orange
Directions:
Hot Mulled Cider Recipe
In a 3-quart saucepan, heat the apple cider on medium high while covered. While heating the cider, peel, with a knife or vegetable peeler, a portion of the orange large enough to press in 7 cloves; the cloves and the orange can be separate, just cut up the orange. (It is more traditional to let the orange float in the cider.) Add all of the remaining ingredients to the saucepan, including the left over orange peel and the studded orange. Cover the cider and bring it to a boil. Immediately reduce the heat to low and let it simmer while covered for an additional 20 minutes.
Thoroughly strain the hot mulled cider with a fine mesh sieve to remove all of the spices the orange and the residue. (Cheesecloth may be used if you do not have a sieve.) For a version with alcohol, liquor can be added; the best choices are brandy, rum or bourbon. Serve it hot, with a cinnamon stick in each cup. Recipe makes 8 cups.
