Day Seven: Mulled Cider Recipe

Day 7 recipe of the PammiCakes 12 Days of Christmas Indulgences is Mulled Cider!  This warm cider is perfect for those cold winter days.  The aromatic spices steeped into the sweet cider will make you fall in love with this easy recipe.  Plus, your entire house will fill with the smells of cinnamon and nutmeg.  If you are in the mood, you can kick this mulled cider up a notch by adding a shot of your favorite rum to your cup before serving. 
 
Mulled Cider Recipe
Serves 12-16

1 gallon of apple cider
4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 orange
Rum {optional}

In a large crock pot, pour in the gallon of apple cider.  Next whisk in the pumpkin pie spice.   This will be difficult to fully integrate into the cider, but as the cider warms, the spices will mix in better. 

Cut the orange in half and place both halves into the cider, cut side down.  Warm the cider on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours before serving.  Ladle cider into mugs to serve. 

If you would like to add rum to your cider, pour one ounce of rum into your mug, top off with cider. 

Tip:
1)  Home alone and really in the mood for mulled cider?  No problem.  I tried this the other day and it worked.  In a mug, mix cider, 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin spice and 1/4 teaspoon of orange zest.  Microwave until warm, about 2 minutes, and enjoy! 
2)  Cut this recipe in half or even quarter it if you are having a smaller gathering. 
3)  If you don't have a crock pot, this can also be made on the stove top.  Simmer for 2-3 hours until warm and infused.