Hot apple cider with holiday spices, cranberry and lemon.
Ingredients
2 quarts apple cider, divided
1 stick of cinnamon
1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
2-inch slice of lemon, including peel
1 quart cranberry juice cocktail
1/2 cup granulated sugar
12 additional cinnamon sticks, for serving (optional)
additional lemon or orange slices, whole cranberries, or other garnishes for serving (optional)
Directions
- In a large saucepan, put 2 cups of the cider (reserve the rest).
- Add the nutmeg, cinnamon stick and lemon.
- Simmer for 15 minutes but do not boil.
- Strain to remove the spices, then add the sugar, cranberry juice and the remaining cider and heat.
- Serve hot. For a festive presentation, put one stick of cinnamon in each guest’s mug, or additional cranberries or citrus slices (optional).