Try This | Spiked Spiced Apple Cider

The New Year is right around the corner (literally some hours away), and I bet you’re wondering what you should be drinking on – right? I mean, that’s a fairly important question for New Years gatherings! There are so many options! Wine, champagne, hard liquor. In the craziness that is prep for ringing in midnight, I figured I would give you a two-fer to solve all your problems :) If you’re in the mood for something happy and warm, or in the mood for something a little more…boozie – this is the drink for you! This simple & tasty spiked apple cider will warm you from head to toe!

Say this three times fast – Spiked Spice Apple Cider! ;)

Served hot OR cold, you won’t have to do much to get festive and get ready for 2014!

INGREDIENTS:  

1 ” Tree Top, Growers Best” Organic Apple Cider ( 128 0z or 2; 640z containers ) or any brand of apple cider you wish to use

1 tbs of brown sugar

2-3 small slices of fresh ginger

1/4 tsp nutmeg

18-20 whole cloves

2 medium oranges

4 cinnamon sticks

Stew Pot or crock pot

Cheesecloth or 2 paper coffee filters

Thread to secure the ends of your spice pouches

2 pinches of lavender ( optional)

Red Wine (optional)

Whiskey (optional)

DIRECTIONS: 

Place your crockpot or regular pot on low/warm setting

Add your Apple Cider

Combine the following ingredients inside your cheesecloth/paper coffee filter: ginger, nutmeg, orange peelings, cloves & lavender ( optional). Secure the ends tightly with a small amount of thread.

Using an additional pouch add the brown sugar and 2 broken cinnamon sticks.  Remember to secure the ends tightly with a small amount of thread.

Toss your spice pouches into the pot.

Slice the remaining oranges and toss them into the pot as well, along side the remaining cinnamon sticks.

Let it cook for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally.

When ready to serve, either pour into your favorite mug or let cool and chill on ice. ENJOY!

A special treat:

Adding a small amount of red wine to the hot cider will give it just the right kick. For an even bigger night let chill and add whiskey over ice.