Mulling is the infusion of spices, usually by heat, into cider or wine. This is often a part of the festivities and traditions during the fall and winter holidays. This mulled cider recipe has the included benefit of elderberries which are packed with antioxidants and vitamins and may help boost your immune system during the cold weather.
Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom…
Don’t you just love the smell of Christmas?! Create the enticing scent of Christmas in your home with a pot of simmering mulled cider on your stove. Memories and traditions will continue long after the gathering of family, friends, and loved ones around a crackling fire on a cold winter’s night enjoying the warmth of a cup of this delicious, and healthy, beverage.
Ingredients:
6 cups fresh organic apple cider (or if apple cider is not available you can substitute organic apple juice – I like R.W.Knudsen brand)
1- 1/4 cup bag of mulling spices (see recipe below) To make a bag for the spices, use a square of unbleached muslin or cheesecloth large enough to hold the spices and gather the edges, tying securely at the top with cotton string.
Maple syrup, honey, or raw sugar to taste (optional)
Directions:
Pour the cider into a heavy bottom pot and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and add the bag of spices. Simmer for 30 – 60 minutes. Remove bag. Add a sweetener if desired, and serve. Garnish with cinnamon sticks.
Mulling Spices
Ingredients:
½ cup organic elderberries
½ cup organic cinnamon chips (sweet)
¼ cup dried organic orange peel
¼ cup dried organic lemon peel
¼ cup organic dried ginger root
¼ cup organic whole cloves
¼ cup organic whole allspice berries
4 organic whole nutmeg
½ cup organic cardamom pods
organic star anise, whole pods (optional)
organic cinnamon sticks
Directions:
- Put nutmeg and cardamom pods in a thick plastic or cloth bag and whack with a mallet or heavy rolling pin to break into pieces.
- Put all spices in a bowl and mix together.
- Store in an airtight container.
- This makes about 2 ½ cups — enough mulling spices for several recipes.