spiced cranberry apple cider

I’ve never been much of a hot chocolate person. Growing up, I was the strange kid that didn’t like chocolate. Weird, right?

As a result, hot cider was always my alternative during winter months. I remember playing outside in the snow for hours and then coming in from the cold and sitting by the fire with a cup of hot cider. That was my idea of heaven. Well who am I kidding, it still is!

Rather than just plain apple cider, I guess you could say I’ve grown up a bit. This recipe was inspired by my mother-in-law, who serves this punch every year at Thanksgiving. It’s so delicious!

Spiced Cranberry Apple Cider
(Serves 4-6)

2 cups 100% cranberry juice
4 cups fresh apple cider
Peel of 1 orange, cut in large strips
2 cups orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
2 cinnamon sticks
2 tbsp. mulling spices (or a combination of ground cinnamon and cloves)
A few peppercorns
Optional garnishes: cinnamon sticks, orange slices, fresh cranberries

Gather spices in a cheese cloth or coffee filter (or keep them loose and strain later). Combine ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Then reduce to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes (or longer). Serve warm and add fresh garnishes if you’d like. Enjoy!

Easy, right? This is my favorite warm beverage lately. Well, besides coffee, of course.

Hope you have a happy Thanksgiving!