Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups unfiltered apple cider or high-quality apple juice
- 3 whole cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole star anise pods
- 1 large orange, sliced into thin rounds
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced into coins (optional for extra zing)
- 2 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by slicing your orange into thin, even rounds. If you are using fresh ginger, peel it quickly with a spoon and cut it into three or four coins. Gather your whole cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, and cloves. Using whole spices instead of ground versions ensures the drink remains clear and does not become gritty.
- Pour the apple cider into a medium-sized stainless steel or ceramic saucepan. Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, ginger, and orange slices directly into the liquid. Stir in your choice of sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, until it dissolves into the cider.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Watch the pot closely and bring the liquid to a very gentle simmer. Once you see small bubbles rising, reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture steep for at least 15 minutes. Avoid a rolling boil, as high heat can break down the subtle notes of the star anise and make the citrus peel taste bitter.
- Taste the drink and add more sweetener if desired. Use a slotted spoon or a small fine-mesh strainer to remove the whole spices and orange slices. Ladle the hot liquid into heat-safe mugs. For a beautiful presentation, garnish each glass with a fresh cinnamon stick, a star anise pod, and a few floating cranberries.
- Cook Time: 20 minutes