Ingredients:

  • 5 cups (2 Litres) unfiltered apple cider or juice (e.g., Honeycrisp)
  • 1 large fresh orange, thinly sliced
  • 2-inch piece (5 cm) fresh ginger, sliced (no need to peel)
  • 4 large cinnamon sticks (Approx. 10 cm each)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) whole cloves
  • 4 star anise pods
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) Grade A maple syrup (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Spices: Place the whole cloves and star anise into a small muslin bag or the centre of a piece of cheesecloth tied tightly with kitchen twine (this is the “spice sachet”). This step makes straining simple later on.
  2. Prep the Aromatics: Slice the orange thinly. Slice the ginger (no need to peel).
  3. Combine Ingredients: Pour the apple cider into the large saucepan. Add the sliced orange, sliced ginger, cinnamon sticks, and the spice sachet.
  4. Bring to Temperature: Place the pot over medium heat. Bring the mixture just to a simmer. Crucial Visual Cue: Look for small, sporadic bubbles rising around the edges, but do not let it come to a rolling boil, as this dulls the fresh apple flavour.
  5. Reduce and Infuse: Once simmering, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting (a very gentle maintenance heat). Cover the pot and allow the cider to steep for 45 minutes. This slow process allows the spices to fully release their essential oils.
  6. Seasoning Check: After 45 minutes, remove the lid. Stir in the maple syrup and the optional splash of lemon juice. Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness or spice level as desired.
  7. Strain (If Necessary): If you did not use a spice sachet, or if you want a clearer drink, pour the cider through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean serving jug or pitcher, discarding all the solids (orange slices, ginger, spices).
  8. Serve Hot: Ladle the spiced cider directly into pre-warmed mugs. Garnish each mug with a fresh orange slice or an extra cinnamon stick for decoration.