Curling up with a good book and a cup of hot cider on a chilly afternoon is the kind of activity that makes cold weather (almost) welcome. This version is spicier than most and will really warm you to the bone.
Yield : Makes 8 Servings
Ingredients
- 6 quarter-sized slices peeled fresh ginger
- 6 star anise
- Four 3-inch-long cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon fennel seed
- 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 quart fresh apple cider
- Calvados or applejack, for serving (optional)
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons
Directions
1. Rinse and squeeze out a 12-inch square of cheesecloth. Wrap the ginger, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, and Sichuan peppercorns in the cheesecloth. Using a piece of kitchen twine, tie it into a packet.
2. Pour the cider in a large nonreactive saucepan and add the spice bundle. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Ladle the cider into warmed mugs. Add a dry cinnamon stick to each mug, and spike with Calvados. Top each with a pat of butter. Serve hot.
Note from Cookstr's Editors
Nutritional information does not include the Calvados or applejack, for serving.
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