Spiked Hot Apple Cider

📷 by: The Little Eepicurean

A warming beverage perfect during the cool holiday season! Easily customize it with your choice of spices & liquor. 

INGREDIENTS

• ½ teaspoon cloves
• 3 star anise
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 8 cups apple cider
• 1 cup Chai Vodka or your favorite Bourbon
• For the garnish: star anise, cinnamon stick, orange slice

DIRECTIONS:

1. Toast the spices: Add the spices to the bottom of a pot. Toast over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant
2. Simmer: Turn the heat to low. Pour in the apple cider and bring to below a simmer, just barely bubbling. Set a timer for 30 minutes and reduce to low heat (don’t let it simmer).
3. Filter: Skim off any particulate that rises to the top of the pot using a fine mesh sieve or strainer (or you can pour it through a strainer into another pot). 
4. Serve: Pour in the rum or bourbon (or add 2 ounces to each 1 cup serving). Ladle into 8 mugs. If desired, garnish with star anise, cinnamon stick, or an orange slice.