Absolutely Amazing Apple Cider... with a Kick!

There are few things more satisfying than a warm cocktail when the days get shorter and colder. I love to experiment with ingredients that make your insides light up and instantly shift the mood after a busy day or during an evening gathering.

Thankfully, cider is quite easy to make and is always a hit with family and friends. While it takes a couple hours for the ingredients to come together, it's super easy to throw together.

Ingredients

• 1-gallon unfiltered apple cider
• 11/2 cup dark rum
• 1 large orange, cut into 1/4" slices.
• 1 Granny Smith apple peeled & cut into large chunks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1" ginger root, sliced
• 3 Cinnamon sticks
• 4-star anise
• 1 tablespoon allspice

Instructions

1. In a large pan or dutch oven, add apple juice, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, whole allspice, and ginger root.
2. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce to simmer for 2-3 hours.
3. Add rum to the mixture.
4. Remove fruit and spices, then add to individual servings.
5. Serve and enjoy!

NOTE: If you have a crockpot, you can use it as well. It simplifies things, especially if you need to run errands or don't want the stove on for hours at a time. All you need to do is turn the crockpot on LOW and cook for 2-3 hours. Add rum and serve!