The Drunken Apple's Guide to the Perfect Winter Warmer: Mulled Cider with a Cognac Kick

The air bites with a frosty edge, leaves crunch underfoot, and the sky hangs heavy with the promise of snow. There’s no better time to retreat to the warm embrace of The Drunken Apple, my humble garden pub shed, and indulge in a steaming mug of mulled cider. And not just any mulled cider, mind you, but a concoction infused with festive spices and a generous splash of cognac for that extra layer of winter warmth.

Forget those pre-made supermarket versions; nothing beats the rich, aromatic experience of making your own mulled cider from scratch. It’s a simple process, truly, but the results are magical. The fragrant steam that fills The Drunken Apple as the cider simmers, laced with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, is an invitation to pure comfort and festive cheer. And the addition of cognac? Well, that’s just the cherry on top of this warm, boozy delight.

So, gather your ingredients, dust off your largest saucepan, and let’s get brewing! This recipe is enough to fill several mugs and keep the chill at bay for a cozy evening in The Drunken Apple, or wherever you choose to enjoy this festive treat.

The Drunken Apple’s Mulled Cider Recipe

Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30-45 minutes

Ingredients:

2 litres good quality apple cider (cloudy or clear, your preference)
1 large orange, zested and juiced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
100g dark brown sugar
4 whole cloves
2 star anise
3 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp allspice berries
150ml cognac (or brandy if you prefer)
Apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)

Equipment:

Large saucepan
Wooden spoon
Ladle
Mugs or heatproof glasses

Instructions:

Zest and Juice: Begin by zesting both the orange and lemon, being careful to avoid the white pith which can add bitterness. Then, juice both fruits, setting aside the zest and juice separately.
Combine Ingredients: Pour the apple cider into your large saucepan. Add the orange and lemon zest and juice, brown sugar, cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and allspice berries.
Simmer Slowly: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling, as this can burn the spices and create a harsh flavour. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
Infuse the Flavours: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the cider infuse with the spices for at least 30 minutes, or up to 45 minutes for a deeper, richer flavour. The longer it simmers, the more intense the spice notes will become. The Drunken Apple prefers a longer simmer, allowing the aromas to truly permeate the shed.
Add the Cognac: Once the cider has simmered and the spices have infused their magic, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the cognac and give it a good mix. This is where the magic truly happens, adding a warm, boozy depth that elevates the cider to a whole new level.
Strain and Serve: Using a ladle, carefully strain the mulled cider into mugs or heatproof glasses. Discard the spent spices. If desired, garnish each serving with a slice of apple and a cinnamon stick for an extra touch of festive flair.

Tips from The Drunken Apple:

Apple Choice: Experiment with different types of apple cider. A cloudy cider will result in a more rustic, traditional flavour, while a clear cider will offer a cleaner, crisper taste.
Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of ginger or a few slices of fresh chilli.
Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your preference. If you prefer a sweeter mulled cider, add a bit more. If you like it less sweet, reduce the amount slightly.
Make it Ahead: Mulled cider can be made ahead of time and reheated gently on the stovetop when ready to serve. This makes it a perfect option for entertaining. Just be sure to add the cognac just before serving to preserve its flavour.
Non-alcoholic Version: For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the cognac and add an extra splash of apple juice or grape juice for sweetness.

Now, settle into a comfy chair in The Drunken Apple (or your preferred cozy spot), wrap your hands around a warm mug of this spiced elixir, and let the comforting aromas and flavours transport you to a winter wonderland. Cheers to the season, and may your cider be ever mulled, and your evenings ever warm!

[jetpack_top_posts_widget count=”20″]

Useful Links