Mulled Apple Cider

This is a perfect drink to share with your friends

It’s warm, has lovely spiced notes and can be made ahead of time in your slow cooker

Not to mention how good your house will smell! You can set this up hours before your guests arrive and they’ll be welcomed by the aromas of cinnamon, apples, citrusy oranges… mmm

You’ll need one gallon of apple cider, 3 navel oranges, 5 cinnamon sticks, 1 1/2 teaspoons of cloves and I’ve thrown in some optional spices

I love the warmth of fresh nutmeg and typically save the bits that are too small to grate

They are great to add in to the cider but ground nutmeg will work as well

I also love the taste of star anise.. it adds a slight licorice flavor

And cardamon pods… they’re both spicy and citrusy

They all compliment each other and add to the wonderful spiced flavor of the Mulled Apple Cider

I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve always seen cloves dotted over our ham in the oven, but I thought it fitting to poke each clove into one of the oranges. It helps to keep track of those little buggers

Slice up the other 2 oranges and place the fruit and spices in the slow cooker with the cider

Turn the slow cooker to high for 3 to four hours

Open the lid of your slow cooker and give a stir. You’ll most likely get a spiced cider facial. Just smile and breathe it in

Ladle out into mugs for your guests

Just a suggestion, but for the “adults” at the gathering, you may want to add a splash of rum, bourbon or whiskey just to complete the warm, spiced flavors. Just sayin’