Spiced Hot Apple Cider

Spiced hot apple cider is a festive way to stay warm during a chilly winter evening. This recipe makes about 8 to 10 servings, and can be doubled or halved as needed.

Ingredients
8 1/2 to 9 cups apple cider or apple juice
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 to 3 sticks of cinnamon (about 4 inches total)
1 tsp whole cloves
1 tsp whole allspices
Peel of 1 lemon (no pith), cut into strips
Opt: Cinnamon sticks OR cinnamon candy sticks to garnish each mug

Place the spices and lemon peel in the center of a square of cheesecloth. Bring the 4 corners together to form a pouch, tie together with a string. Combine the apple cider or juice and the sugar in a large saucepan. Add the spice bag. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, remove the spice bag and pour or ladle into mugs. If desired, add a cinnamon stick or cinnamon candy stick to each mug as a garnish.

Zestfully yours,
Gloria
Carolina Sauce Company