Thanks to Illawarra Flame advertiser Jo Fahey of Darkes Cider for sharing this recipe

Immerse yourself in the comforting embrace of a steaming cup of mulled cider or juice, with the aromatic scent of apples and spice filling your home.

Darkes Cider ‘Howler’ is the perfect base for our mulled cider recipe. You can use any Darkes Cider variety and even blend ciders together. To make a non-alcoholic spiced cider, just substitute Darkes apple juice or Little
Blue cider.

Follow these steps to create a soul-warming concoction that will elevate your evenings with its captivating blend of flavours.

Ingredients:

• 4 x 375ml cans Darkes Cider ‘Howler’ (or a mixed Darkes Cider 4 pack)
• 1 orange
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 6 cloves
• 4 cardamom pods
• 1 star anise
• 1 teaspoons brown sugar (adjust according to taste, use more if you like it sweeter)
• Optional garnish: orange slices and cinnamon sticks

Instructions:

Prepare the Orange Zest: Wash the orange. Using a fine grater or zester, grate the outer zest of the orange, taking care to avoid the bitter white pith. Set aside for later use.

Create the Spice Bag: Take a small piece of cheesecloth or a clean muslin cloth and place the cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, star anise and orange zest in the centre. Gather the edges and tie it with kitchen twine, creating a spice bag. This will allow the spices to infuse the cider while keeping the liquid free of debris.

Simmer the Cider: Pour the Darkes Cider ‘Howler’ into a large saucepan or pot. Add the spice bag to the pot, along with the brown sugar.

Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the cider to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and infuse the flavours.

Serve and Garnish: Once the mulled cider has infused and developed its rich flavours, remove the spice bag from the pot. Ladle the warm mulled cider into heatproof mugs or glasses.

For an optional garnish, add a fresh orange slice and a cinnamon stick to each mug.

Enjoy the Delightful Blend: Savour the enticing aroma as you take your first sip.

The cinnamon sticks provide warmth and a comforting touch of sweetness. Cloves add a distinct, earthy flavour. Cardamom pods contribute a fragrant, slightly citrusy note. The star anise lends a subtle licorice flavour, complementing the apple base.

Finally, the orange zest adds a fresh, zesty kick, intertwining the flavours harmoniously.

The enticing blend, mixing the medium-sweet apple notes of our cider with a delightful mix of spices, is the perfect companion to cosy evenings and festive occasions.

Christmas in July is only a month away so practise this recipe in preparation for an Australian mid-year celebration.

Cheers to unforgettable moments!

Shop online at www.darkes.com.au

Glenbernie’s AppleShack farm store is open 10am-4.30pm daily in Darkes Forest