Information
Course: beverage
Total time: under 30 minutes
Skill level: Easy
Cost: Inexpensive
Yield: Makes 8 Servings
Notes
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.
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.
Nutritional Information
Nutrients per serving
159kcal (8%)
13mg (1%)
1mg (2%)
97mcg RAE (3%)
129mg
6mg
0g
12g
0g
14g
31mg (10%)
7mg (0%)
7g (37%)
12g (18%)
0mg (1%)