December 5, 2022
I have made this every Christmas for at least the last 25 years or so...my kids have loved it...first the non-alcoholic version, and now the spiked version. Disclaimer: This is NOT nutritious or nutrient dense...but it's a delicious treat at Christmas time. Drink in moderation for those who don't tolerate sugar well (me!)
For everyone and all ages
(In my house, everyone gets this version on Christmas morning, and also on tree-decorating day)
Mix together, in a large stock pot:
1 gallon apple cider (not apple juice)
4 cups orange juice (fresh-squeezed is best, but you can also make from frozen concentrate)
1 bottle apple-cranberry sparkling cider (optional...sometimes we add this and sometimes not)
4 cinnamon sticks (NOT optional)
4 cardamom pods (optional)
4 star anise (optional)
2 oranges, pierced all over with cloves (must do)
1/2 cup of red hots (small hard red cinnamon candies)
1/2 cup of homemade cranberry sauce (optional, but don't use canned cranberry sauce)
Filtered Water, to taste...as you simmer, this becomes more concentrated...so I add water to dilute, as necessary
Let simmer at least 20mn. Continue to stir so candies melt but don't burn. Serve in tea cups.. If you use large mugs itwill be gone in 5mn, and it cools too quickly.
For the adults only
(In my house, both the version above, and version below are available after dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Mulled Wine Version
In a separate pot, pour in about 6 cups of the Christmas cider above and add one bottle of red wine. You can also add a splash of orange liquor and 1/4 cup of Fireball. Heat and serve. Keep at a simmer and don't let it boil.
Note:
If you're ONLY making the alcoholic version, and not splitting it up: Just add 2-3 bottles of red wine to the first recipe, above. You can also add a splash of orange liquor and about 1/2 cup of Fireball. Keep at a simmer and don't let it boil. Again...sipping slowly out of small pretty tea cups is best. :-)
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