MULLED CIDER
Twenty 6-ounce servings
Particularly good when the weather is cool and fresh apple cider abundant. A nonalcoholic version can be made by omitting the rum.
Combine in a saucepan:
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 5 cinnamon sticks
- 10 whole cloves or 5 lightly crushed cardamom pods
- Zest of 4 oranges, removed in wide strips with a vegetable peeler, or 4 small oranges, thinly sliced
- (2-inch piece ginger, thinly sliced)
- (1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise)
Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in:
- 1 ¾ cups light or dark rum
Ladle into warmed mugs, placing a cinnamon stick, a piece of orange zest, or an orange slice in each one.