Hot Mulled Apple Cider

Honestly, what is more end-of-the-year themed than hot apple cider? Or really just apples. I absolutely love the peacefully vibrancy of apple orchards. The rows of Pink Ladies, Honeycrisps, Fujis... Hues of greens, reds, yellows glistening in the crisp sun.

You know how some people have happy places on the beach with ocean waves crashing on the shore? I imagine a sunlit dirt path in the woods with vivid fall foliage and a cup of piping hot apple cider by the fireplace. Just imagining the steam rising into the cool crisp air gives me so much comfort even in a cold living room while it's raining outside.

I'm all about classic holiday drinks for everyone of all ages. What good is a drink when half the people in the family can't enjoy it? Don't get me wrong, there are great cocktails out there. Just prefer to have a fall/winter drink I can have while driving or first thing in the morning to get me ready for work. ... I can see some of you thinking, "I need something strong before work anyways." We'll save that talk for happy hour! For now, let's warm our hands and bellies with a mug full of sweet goodness.

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INGREDIENTS:

• 8 cups (2 quarts, 64 ounces) apple juice/cider

• 4 cups (1 quart, 32 ounces) water

• 1 orange, unpeeled and quartered

• 1 apple, unpeeled and halved

• 2 teaspoons whole cloves

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 3 star anise

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• optional, cinnamon sticks, one for each mug

• optional, rum or bourbon of your choosing

• optional, 1-2 droppers of Receptra Naturals CBD oils

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Over low-medium heat, combine all ingredients in a saucepan for about 8-10 minutes.

2. Pour into mugs and serve hot!