Ingredients:

  • 1 gallon (3.8 liters) fresh apple cider (not apple juice)
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 3 whole star anise pods (optional, but recommended)
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced (with peel)
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced (with peel)
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar or maple syrup, adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
  • 1-inch (2.5 cm) piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
  • Optional: 1/2 cup (120 ml) dark rum, bourbon, or brandy (for an adult version)

Instructions:

  1. Tie cloves, allspice, and star anise in a small piece of cheesecloth or place in a spice infuser for easy removal; thinly slice the orange, lemon, and ginger.
  2. Pour apple cider into a large heavy-bottomed saucepan; add cinnamon sticks, prepared spice bundle, citrus slices, ginger, and brown sugar or maple syrup.
  3. Heat over medium heat until it just starts to bubble; reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to infuse flavors.
  4. After simmering, taste and adjust sweetness or spices as desired; if using alcohol, stir in gently and avoid boiling.
  5. Remove from heat and strain cider through a fine mesh strainer to remove spices and fruit; ladle warm cider into mugs and garnish if desired.