Make this hot beverage "spiked" or not – either way it'll warm up your insides.
5 allspice berries 2 cinnamon sticks 4 whole cloves 1/4 tsp. salt 1 orange peel (whole peel) 1 lemon peel (whole peel) 2 quarts apple cider 1/4 C. packed brown sugar Ground nutmeg, to taste 10 cinnamon sticks, for garnish Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum (optional)
Place the spices, salt, and fruit peels in the center of a 12-inch square of cheesecloth. Gather up the corners and tie with butcher's twine to create a small packet. In a large pot over medium heat, heat the cider until steam begins to rise from the surface. Add the brown sugar and stir until melted. Add the spice packet to the pot and steep for 10 minutes, or until the cider is infused with spice. Serve in mugs with a sprinkling of nutmeg and a cinnamon stick stirrer. If you prefer spiked cider, add 3/4 oz. of spiced rum to each serving or use 1 C. of rum for the full recipe. Yield: 10 servings From: "Hot Toddies" by Christopher B. O'Hara