There is nothing better than a hot drink on a winter night. You might be thinking it’s hot chocolate, but not this time. It’s apple cider, one of the best treats for wintertime.

This recipe will yield two quarts. To get started, you will need:

• 10 large apples, quartered
• 1/2 orange
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tsp. whole cloves
• 1 tsp. whole allspice
• 1 whole nutmeg
• 1/2 c. packed brown sugar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a large stockpot over medium heat, add the apples, oranges, spices, and brown sugar. Cover with at least two inches of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer while covered for two hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remove orange halves, then use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash apples. Return to a simmer and let sit, uncovered, for one more hour.

Strain through a fine-mesh strainer (or cheesecloth as seen in the picture), pressing on solids with a wooden spoon to squeeze all juices out. Discard solids.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Serve the apple cider warm and maybe add toppings to give it some flair.

Also, don’t forget to share! Merry Christmas and happy holidays!