Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups high-quality unfiltered apple cider
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 whole star anise
- 1 medium orange, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pour the 4 cups of apple cider into a large saucepan or a medium-sized pot.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise into the cider.
- Place the orange slices into the pot, ensuring they are partially submerged.
- Place the pot over medium heat and wait for the liquid to become very hot and start steaming.
- Turn the heat down to low. Let the mixture simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not let it reach a full, rolling boil, as this can change the flavor of the cider.
- Stir in the honey (or maple syrup) and the vanilla extract until they are fully dissolved.
- Turn off the heat. Use a fine-mesh strainer or a slotted spoon to remove the spices and orange slices.
- Ladle the hot cider into individual mugs.
- Garnish each mug with a fresh cinnamon stick and a few cranberries if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot.
- Cook Time: 20 minutes