Hot Apple Cider

Name: Hot Apple Cider
Yield: 12 Servings
Ingredients: 1 gallon apple cider, preferably fresh (the darker the better); 1 Tbsp. allspice berries; 1 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg; 4 whole cloves; 3 3" cinnamon sticks; 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise; Brandy, Calvados, bourbon, or spiced rum (optional)

Sean Rembold12 ServingsSource

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Ingredients

1 gallon apple cider, preferably fresh (the darker the better)

1 Tbsp. allspice berries

1 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

4 whole cloves

3 3" cinnamon sticks

1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

Brandy, Calvados, bourbon, or spiced rum (optional)

Method

Combine 1 gallon apple cider, 1 Tbsp. allspice berries, 1 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg, 4 whole cloves, and three 3" cinnamon sticks in a large pot. Scrape the seeds from 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, and add to pot along with the scraped pod. Bring cider just to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce to medium-low heat and cook just below a simmer until flavors meld and cider has reduced slightly, about 1 hour.

Strain spiced apple cider through a sieve into another pot or heatproof punch bowl; discard solids in sieve. Ladle hot apple cider into mugs. Top with brandy, Calvados, bourbon, or spiced rum to taste if using.