Hot Mountain Apple Cider

When the leaves start to change, and the weather gets cool outside, one of my favorite fall drinks to make is my Hot Mountain Apple Cider. I fire up my trusty crock-pot that was a wedding gift I never knew I would use so much, and let the cider brew all day so the house smells delicious. This recipe varies a little every time I make it depending on how much rum I sample beforehand. It's a great fall party drink that I think your guests will love!

Cook up some hot apple cider on chilly nights.

Ingredients

10 Cup 100% Juice Apple Cider

1/2 Stick Unsalted Butter

1 Whole Orange

1 Whole Granny Smith Apple

1/2 Cup Firmly Packed Brown Sugar

6 Cinnamon Sticks

5 Cardomom pods

12 Whole Cloves

1 Tbsp All Spice

1 Cup Dark Rum (optional)

Directions

Fill crock pot or large stock pot with apple cider and rum.

Press whole cloves into the peel of apple. Place the apple with cloves into the apple cider.

Simmer on low heat.

With a vegetable peeler, peel 5-6 strips of the orange zest off the orange and add to the simmering apple cider.

Melt butter in a small saucepan on low heat. Add cinnamon sticks, cardamom and allspice to butter and simmer for 5 minutes.

Strain butter mixture and add to apple cider and rum.

Continue on low heat for about 30 minutes. Do not bring to a boil. Feel free to add more spices or rum as desired.

Pour into your favorite mugs and garnish with fresh whip cream and cinnamon sticks. Enjoy!