Ingredients
Scale
- 64 ounces high-quality unfiltered apple cider
- 1 large orange, sliced into rounds
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 4 whole cinnamon sticks
- 3 whole star anise
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the orange and slice it into thin rounds. Rinse the fresh cranberries and discard any that are soft or bruised. Measure out your whole spices—cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves—to ensure they are ready for the pot. Avoid using ground spices, as they will make the drink cloudy and gritty.
- Pour the apple cider into a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves. If you prefer a sweeter drink, stir in the maple syrup now. Bring the mixture to a very gentle simmer. Once it begins to bubble slightly, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the flavors infuse for at least 20 minutes. Do not let it come to a rolling boil, as this can change the flavor of the cider.
- Use a ladle to pour the warm liquid into mugs. Ensure each glass gets a few cranberries and a slice of orange for a beautiful presentation. For an extra festive touch, add a fresh sprig of rosemary and a cinnamon stick to each mug. Serve immediately while steaming hot.
- Cook Time: 25 minutes