Step by step

Method

5 steps

1. 1

   In a large saucepan, combine 2 quarts (8 cups) apple cider, ½ cup packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon whole allspice, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 3 cinnamon sticks.

2. 2

   Bring just to a boil over medium heat, stirring so the sugar dissolves. You should smell spice before it bubbles hard.

3. 3

   Reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 20 minutes so the spices perfume the cider — don't boil hard or it can taste flat and cooked-down.

4. 4

   Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pitcher or back into the pot; discard the spices.

5. 5

   Ladle into mugs. Serve with clove-studded orange wedges if you like. Keep warm on low heat for a party pitcher. You want a warm, spiced cider that smells like cinnamon and clove — not thin apple juice or a bitter over-steeped pot.