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).