Spiced Apple Cider

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh apple cider
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole cloves
• 4 whole allspice berries
• 1 star anise
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps

1. 1

   1. Combine cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, star anise, and orange slices in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

2. 2

   2. Stir in brown sugar until dissolved, then bring the mixture just to a gentle simmer — do not boil.

3. 3

   3. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, letting the spices infuse fully into the cider.

4. 4

   4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and freshly grated nutmeg.

5. 5

   5. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into mugs, discarding solids, and serve hot garnished with a cinnamon stick if desired.