Mulled Apple Cider

Ingredients

• 1 orange orange – peeled into 4 wide strips (avoid white pith)
• 1 ounce fresh ginger – thinly sliced
• 4 sticks cinnamon sticks
• 10 pieces whole cloves
• 8 berries allspice berries
• 2 pods star anise pods
• 8 cups apple cider (unfiltered)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions

1. In a large nonreactive pot, combine the apple cider (unfiltered) with 4 wide strips of zest peeled from the orange, the thinly sliced fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice berries, and star anise pods.
2. Bring to a bare simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low, partially cover, and gently simmer until very fragrant, 25–30 minutes; the cider should taste warm and spiced but not bitter.
3. Stir in the maple syrup and simmer 5 minutes more to meld.
4. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof pitcher, pressing lightly on the solids; discard the spices and peel.
5. Serve hot in mugs. Keep warm on the lowest heat if holding for service, avoiding a boil to prevent bitterness.