Illuskan Mulled Cider

Ingredients

• 2 cups apple cider
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 cloves
• 2 allspice berries
• 1 teaspoon cardamom pods
• 1 star anise
• ½ apple, sliced ¼ inch thick
• ½ orange, sliced ¼ inch thick
• 1 (750 mL) bottle hard cider
• Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish

Equipment

• 2 heatproof cups
• 1 pitcher

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider, maple syrup, ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, cardamom, star anise, apple, orange, and half of the hard cider with a wooden spoon. Set the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a bare simmer. Decrease the heat to low and simmer, covered, for at least 1 and up to 3 hours. The flavors will meld together more the longer you cook. Remove from the heat. Set a fine-mesh strainer over a heatproof bowl and strain the apple cider mixture into it. Add the remaining half of the hard cider and stir to combine. Garnish with nutmeg. Serve at once in mugs or teacups.