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Hey guys!!! Welcome back to my mini-series "A Lil Pumpkin Spice Makes Everything Nice," where we explore and highlight popular themes and ingredients that are synonymous with the fall season.
Now we can't talk about fall without mentioning being out in nature to view the beautiful fall foliage along with picking some apples. And if you're seeking a 2-for-1 deal, then check out my good friends at Weed Orchard Family Farms in New York, where you can not only pick apples, but also simultaneously take in stunning views of the changing leaves.
And so in true Stephanie fashion, I picked a basket full of apples and decided to get busy with jotting down ideas and looking up some recipes that I can add my own lil' spin to. Up first my "Hard Apple Cider Harvest” cocktail, along with the mocktail version for my non-alcohol drinkers!
"Hard Apple Cider Harvest" Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
-2 Qty Quarts, Apple Cider
-1/2 Pint Orange Juice
-1 Apple
-1 Orange
-1 Ginger Root
-1 Teaspoon Allspice
- 6 Qty Cinnamon sticks
-10 Qty Cloves, whole
-10 Qty Star Anise
-1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg
-1 Qty Thyme Branch
-1 Cup Preferred Rum (Nix the rum for the mocktail version)
Now just so ya know there are so many different variations of making apple cider. So there isn’t really a right or wrong way in my opinion. But my recipe in particular, happens to be a mulled version, which simply means it is flavored with an emphasis on spices & citruses that we let simmer for several hours on a stovetop or crockpot. The results yield an infused combination of all the ingredients, which taste so so good!! You can drink it warm or cooled down; It all depends on your preference. I think it’s one of the season’s most popular drinks because it literally taste like autumn in a cup. And y’all KNOW how much I love a 2-for-1 special, and so in this case you get a great drink anddd the house smelling absolutely divine from all the decadent aromas stemming from your cider.
Directions
Step 1 - Add apple cider, OJ, allspice, nutmeg, powdered cinnamon, Cut up apple pieces; Orange slices, cranberries, ginger root, cinnamon sticks, star anise pieces, cloves, to a large saucepan.
Step 2 - Bring to a boil and let simmer for 2-3 hours.
Step 3 - To make it “spiked” add in rum and simmer an additional 10 minutes.
Hmmhmmm...Guys this came out tasting just like a nice, warm hug!! This is perfect for those chilly fall evenings where all you wanna do is cozy up on the couch with a warm blanket in front of your fireplace and put on one of your fave classic movies. In my case, tonight it’s a toss between Jumangi or Coming to America...Which 1 should I pick? Lemme know in the comments below!
Well, that's all I got for now folks! Now it's your turn to indulge in this warm hug in a mug! Be sure to follow me on all things social and DM me photos of you toasting cups! Haha!!
Cheers and until next time....
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