Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups high-quality unfiltered apple cider
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 star anise pods
- 1 medium orange, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional for Boozy Version: 1 cup bourbon, spiced rum, or brandy
- Garnish: Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your whole spices and slicing your orange. Ensure you use unfiltered apple cider rather than clear apple juice for the best texture and depth of flavor. If you prefer a very clear drink, you can place the cloves and star anise inside a tea infuser or a small cheesecloth bag. This makes it easier to serve later without fishing out small spices. Place your large pot or Dutch oven on the stove and set out your mugs for serving.
- Pour the apple cider into the pot and turn the heat to medium. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange slices. Stir in the maple syrup if you desire a sweeter profile. Bring the mixture to a very gentle simmer. Do not let it reach a rolling boil, as this can break down the sugars too quickly and change the flavor. Reduce the heat to low and let the cider steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Just before turning off the heat, stir in the vanilla extract. If you are making the entire batch boozy, stir in your spirit of choice now; otherwise, keep the alcohol on the side for individual servings.
- Ladle the hot cider into mugs or heat-safe glass cups. For a beautiful holiday presentation, place one of the simmered orange slices and a cinnamon stick into each glass. Drop in a few fresh cranberries for a pop of festive red color and tuck in a small sprig of rosemary to provide a woodsy aromatic element. Serve immediately while steaming hot. If guests are adding their own alcohol, suggest 1 to 2 ounces of bourbon or rum per 6-ounce mug of cider.
- Cook Time: 20 minutes