Mulled drink
Hot Apple Cider
A fresh, spiced mulled drink made with apple cider and notes of cinnamon and vanilla. Add a splash of Calvados for a warming, grown-up twist.
Ingredients
- 2 l apple cider (with or without alcohol)
- 100 ml apple juice concentrate
- 2 apples
- 6 cinnamon sticks
- 1 vanilla pod
- 1 generous splash of Calvados (optional)
Method
- Pour the cider into a saucepan. Add the cinnamon sticks.
- Split the vanilla pod lengthways and scrape the seeds into the cider. Add the pod as well.
- Let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.
- Warm the cider just before serving and add Calvados if desired.
- Core the apples and cut them into slices. Add the apple slices to the cider and serve.
Tips
- Choose a dry or off-dry apple cider for the best balance – a too-sweet cider makes for a sickly result.
- Calvados adds a lovely apple-brandy note; try a splash of dark rum too if you want more depth.
- Let the cinnamon and vanilla steep longer in the cider for a more intense flavour – but avoid a hard boil so the alcohol doesn't evaporate.
- Serve in heatproof glasses or mulled-drink cups with a cinnamon stick as garnish.