Hanukah Spicy Apple Cider

Every holiday party needs beverages to go with the wonderful foods and Hanukah is no different. Rather than serving soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, why not serve traditional Hanukah Spicy Apple Cider at your Hanukah party this year?

Apple cider is made from apples and does not contain sugar. Normally, you would drink it un-filtered. You may also find that you enjoy heating, mulling or spicing your apple cider to make it even more special during the eight day holiday of Hanukah. This easy recipe can be made in about an hour and will be a welcome addition to your celebration.

Ingredients for the Hanukah Spicy Apple Cider are as follows:

Rind strips from one lemon
1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
1 gallon of apple cider
2 tablespoons of light brown sugar
20 whole cloves
5 cinnamon sticks – about 3 inches each
1/8 teaspoon of ground all-spice
1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg
1/2 cup of apple brandy (optional)

Place the cloves, cinnamon stick pieces, all-spice and nutmeg into pouch made from a piece of muslin or close-weave cheese cloth. Adding the spices in a bag will make removing them later much easier, however this step isn’t necessary. Put the pouch into a large pot and then add the rest of the ingredients except for the brandy. Bring the mixture to a bowl.

Once the mixture has started boiling, reduce the heat and allow the liquid to simmer for approximately 20 minutes. Remove the pouch run the liquid through a sieve to be sure you have removed all of the cloves.

The Hanukah Spicy Apple Cider is ready to drink at this point for children and those who do not drink alcoholic beverages. However, if you are adding brandy, now is the time add it. Stir in the brandy and then pour the apple cider into serving mugs. If you like, you can garnish the apple cider with additional cinnamon sticks.