Hot Mulled Cider

Ingredients

• 1/2 gallon of fresh, unfiltered apple cider, non-alcoholic
• 1 orange
• 12 whole cloves
• 4 3-inch sticks of cinnamon
• 15 allspice berries
• 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground nutmeg
• 7 pods of cardamom
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar, optional

Directions

1. Pour the apple cider into a 3-quart saucepan, put the lid on, and set it over medium-high heat.
2. As the cider warms, use a vegetable peeler to remove a couple of thick strips of zest from the orange. Push about half of the cloves into the exposed part of the orange. You can also cut the orange into quarters and add the pieces and cloves separately, if you prefer.
3. Add the orange, the strips of peel, the rest of the cloves, and all remaining ingredients to the saucepan with the cider. Leave it covered until the mixture reaches a simmer, then lower the heat to low. Continue simmering gently for 20 minutes.
4. Pour the hot cider through a fine mesh sieve to separate it from the orange, cloves, and spices.
5. If you’d like, stir in a small splash of bourbon, brandy, or rum.
6. Serve the cider hot. Add a cinnamon stick to each cup, if desired.