Note: In these recipes, the apple cider can be either alcoholic or non-alcoholic, or you can substitute alcoholic cider with apple juice where preferred.
Simple cinnamon hot apple cider
Place the cinnamon sticks, cloves and apple juice or cider into a saucepan.
Heat gently for 10 minutes. Use a low heat setting.
Remove from the heat. Allow to infuse for 5 minutes.
Remove the cinnamon sticks and cloves.
Pour into warmed glasses. Garnish with a slice of apple on the edge of the glass.
Spiced hot apple cider
Pour the cider or apple juice into a large saucepan. Add the spices.
Heat gently, to simmering point. Stir occasionally to ensure it isn't sticking.
Add the sweetener, if using. Taste as you add it.
Add the lemon juice and stir through. If using the apple brandy, add this as well. Taste both, to ensure that the flavor is good.
Slice the apples. Add the slices to the simmering cider or juice in the last one to two minutes of cooking, then remove from the heat.
Ladle the cider or juice into the serving glasses or mugs. Try to get a spice piece into each one.
Serve immediately.
Spiced hot apple and cranberry cider
Pour the apple cider or apple juice into a large saucepan.
Add the cranberry juice, sugar and spices.
Bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat immediately and let simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes.
Use a slotted spoon to sift out the cinnamon sticks and cloves.
Serve hot. Add a thin slice of lemon to the top of each drink.
Buttery not spicy hot apple cider
Mash the softened butter in a small bowl until it is smooth. If the butter isn't already softened, melt in a separate pan. Don't overheat though, just a quick melt.
Pour the apple cider or juice into a large saucepan. Add the sugar. Warm up over medium heat until simmering but not boiling, about 4 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure that the sugar doesn't stick.
Pour the apple cider into glasses or mugs for serving. Add the apple brandy if using. Top each one with a dollop of mashed butter.
Serve immediately. The butter will melt through each drink, leaving a warm, buttery feeling.
Hot mulled apple cider
In a square of cheesecloth, place a couple of cinnamon sticks, four whole cloves, four allspice berries, plus the skin of half an orange and lemon, cut into small strips. Adjust any of these ingredients to taste, and tie this bundle up securely.
Warm the cider. In a medium saucepan, add four to six cups of fresh apple cider, the spice packet, and 1/4-cup of real maple syrup. Warm over medium heat until the cider is hot, but not boiling, and then let it steep until it's "mulled" enough for your taste.
Serve it up. In warmed mugs, add the cider, a cinnamon stick garnish, and serve on a plate with a slice of orange or fresh, warm pumpkin bread.
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