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Last Saturday was filled with events for our family.  Our morning was spent watching our oldest run in a regional cross-country meet.  Although the sun was shining, it was a chilly morning to be standing outside.  In the afternoon, our family went apple picking at a local orchard.  By mid-afternoon, it had warmed considerably, making this outdoor adventure more enjoyable for those prone to cold fingers and toes.

As the night would be cold, we purchased apple cider to turn into a warm evening drink.  I never had made mulled cider previously, but it seemed like a simple recipe to master.  I did deviate from typical recipes that call for cinnamon sticks and used ground cinnamon instead.  I also replaced whole cloves with ground cloves.  In spite of these substitutions, I found this cider to be quite delicious.  Plus, having simmered all afternoon in our crockpot, the entire house smelled wonderful.

This recipe lends itself to crowds quite nicely.  Create a large batch in a crockpot, or if more is needed, it can be made in a stockpot.  The “kick” is added to individual glasses, so this beverage can be served without alcohol in order to quench everyone’s thirst.  If you feel like extending the extra effort, I would recommend rimming your mugs for an extra special look and taste.

With many Halloween, Thanksgiving, and assorted fall gatherings drawing near, this is a great recipe to keep nearby.

Spiked Mulled Cider

1/2 gallon cider

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

2 Tb. sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

caramel sauce

brandy

Combine cider, 2 tsp. cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in crockpot.  Turn heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 3 hours.

Before serving, combine sugar and 1 tsp. cinnamon in a shallow dish that is wider than the mugs (Irish coffee mugs work very well) in which you will be serving the cider.  Apply a small amount of caramel sauce to the rim of each mug.  Invert mug, and twist in cinnamon-sugar mix to coat rim.

Pour 1 ounce of brandy into each mug, and add cider to fill. Stir to combine.

Enjoy!