Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups high-quality unfiltered apple cider
- 2 cups 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise pods
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced into rounds
- 1 large orange, half sliced into rounds and half juiced
- 2 cups spicy ginger beer (chilled)
- Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Gather all your whole spices and citrus. Slice half of the orange into thin rounds and set them aside for the simmering process. Peel the fresh ginger and slice it into thin coins to ensure the spicy notes infuse quickly into the liquid. Measure out your apple cider and cranberry juice to ensure the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
- In a large pot, combine the apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and ginger slices. Bring the mixture to a very gentle simmer over medium heat. Do not let it reach a rolling boil, as this can dull the bright fruit flavors. Reduce the heat to low and let the ingredients mingle for 15 to 20 minutes. This slow heat allows the spices to release their aromatic oils, creating that signature cozy depth.
- Once the base is fragrant and warm, remove the pot from the heat. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a heat-proof pitcher or individual glasses if serving warm. For a “boozy” sparkling finish, fill glasses two-thirds full with the warm spiced base and top them off with the chilled, fizzy ginger beer. Drop in a few fresh cranberries, a slice of orange, and a sprig of rosemary to complete the festive look. Serve immediately while the bubbles are active and the spices are pungent.
- Cook Time: 25 minutes