Mulled cider celebrates season’s flavors

‘Tis the season to celebrate the flavors of fall. We are all craving warm beverages to take the chill off and this one is a chart-topper. Crisp and tart apples begin to tell the flavor story of the autumn season. The key is using freshly pressed apple juice to capture that fresh, crisp aspect of fall. Warm the juice with sweet orange slices and aromatic spices. You may add any preferred amber liquor or a combination of a  few and simmer to soften and blend the flavors together. Serve with warm salted almonds and walnuts and a tangy aged cheddar for a delicious snack before dinner or at a game. 

You may garnish with rosemary or mix with cranberry juice for a lovely winter variation. A crock pot is another option to warm the brew over several hours to accomplish an even more subtle blend of flavors. 

MULLED CIDER

YIELD: 4 servings 

INGREDIENTS 

1 qrt apple cider, fresh 

1 orange, sliced 

1-2 cinnamon stick 

3-4 cloves, whole 

3-4 allspice, whole 

1 pinch nutmeg, freshly ground 

1 slice ginger, fresh, peeled 

1 star anise 

1 T maple syrup 

Liquor options: bourbon, rum, cognac 

1 lemon, halved 

INSTRUCTIONS

1 Combine ingredients in pot on the stove. Simmer for 45 minutes to an hour. Strain to remove spices.  

2 Serve in a warm mug - glass if you have it to show off the garnish. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon and garnish with a cinnamon stick or a small wedge of orange. 

3 Enjoy a sip of autumn!

Manda Hudak is the program director/chef instructor at Flathead Valley Community College’s Culinary Institute of Montana. For more information, visit fvcc.edu/culinary.