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Classic Mulled Apple Cider
Melissa Hart

Classic Mulled Apple Cider

Good mulled cider smells stronger than it tastes, which is exactly right. Whole spices infuse cleanly and strain out in one bundle; ground cinnamon leaves sludge at the bottom of every mug. Keep it below a simmer so the fresh apple flavor survives.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 10
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 quarts fresh apple cider
  • 1 orange cut into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 8 whole cloves
  • 6 whole allspice berries
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Pour the cider into a 4- or 5-quart slow cooker and add the orange rounds.
  2. Tie the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice and star anise in a double layer of cheesecloth and add the bundle to the cider.
  3. Stir in the maple syrup, cover and cook on low until fragrant and steaming but not boiling, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
  4. Remove the spice bundle and orange rounds before they make the cider bitter.
  5. Stir in the vanilla and switch the cooker to warm for up to 3 hours.
  6. Ladle into mugs, keeping the heat low enough that the cider never bubbles.