The leaves are beginning to turn and the smell of Fall is in the air.  While standing in an endless line of other weekend apple pickers anxiously waiting to purchase the spoils of a day spent looking for “just the right one” a warm and welcoming aroma began to fill my nose.  Just ahead off to the side was another line and I didn’t even have to read the sign to know exactly what that intoxicating smell was….mulled cider…..yummmm. I can’t deny, on a chill, Fall day, there is nothing quite as good as a mug of hot mulled cider.  Better still is homemade mulled cider. With that in mind and, since it is National Mulled Cider Day, I thought I’d share my own homemade recipe.  Hope you all enjoy!

Mulled Cider

16 cups pure apple juice or fresh apple cider
4 (2-inch) cinnamon sticks
2 oranges, peels and juice
8 whole cloves
6 star anise

Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Pour into mugs and serve.

Hard Mulled Cider

8 cups pure apple juice or fresh apple cider

2 bottles red wine (pinot noir or a lighter red are best)
4 (2-inch) cinnamon sticks
2 oranges, peels and juice
8 whole cloves

Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Pour into mugs and serve.

 

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