Don’t let this dainty cup and fine linen fool you. This Spiked Apple Cider is some serious stuff, and I guarantee it’ll get your New Year’s Eve party started long before the clock strikes 12. I’ve had the chance to test drive the kicked up cocktail with 23 of my family members, all of whom have gathered in Colorado to toast to the holiday season. Needless to day, it’s been a big hit.
Whenever I’m in Colorado, I tend to subsist on cocktails and anything involving sugar and/or butter, especially Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods and Coconut Macaroons. I like to use the altitude as an excuse for any sort of less than healthy eating. After all, doing anything at 8,200 feet above sea level is a workout, including lifting your fork to your mouth. (This coming from someone who walks up the stairs like they’re climbing Kilimanjaro.)
I can think of no better way to close the 2011 chapter on Just a Taste than with a cup of Spiked Apple Cider in one hand and a dessert in the other. This past year has been the best one yet, and I can promise I have quite the culinary lineup planned for the weeks and months ahead. Stay tuned for many more recipes and photos (and, yes, the book!) to come, and here’s to a seriously sweet 2012!
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple juice
- 1 orange, thinly sliced (with rind intact)
- 1 Tablespoon nutmeg
- 1 Tablespoon allspice
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups rum
- 1 large red apple, cut into 8 wedges
- 8 whole cloves
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Combine the apple juice, orange slices, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon sticks, vanilla extract and rum in a large pot set over medium heat.
- Pierce one clove into the skin of each of the apple wedges then add them to the pot.
- Let simmer until heated throughout.
- Strain the spiked cider into cups and serve.
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Great recipe, Kelly, thank you so much for sharing it!
You are so welcome, Tammy! Glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Is there any suggestion for the type of red apple to use? High sugar and low, medium, or high acidity? Something like a Honey Crisp or something like a Jonathan?
Any will do, however, I prefer Cripps Pink!
you had me at “spiked” Happy new year and hope to see you in 2012!
Thanks, Alison! A very Happy New Year to you, too, and I hope we can catch up in person soon!
Great recipe, Kelly. Fun, definitely, for this time of year. I have leftover cider from Christmas too. Sounds delicious!
Thanks, Cassie! Enjoy!
I LOVE apple cider and I’m always asking for it to be spiked ;) this sounds like a great, warm drink to have on New Years! :) I love those chocolate covered pretzels too!
Thanks so much, Julie, and Happy New Year!