Spiced Apple Hot Toddy with Brandy

Serves 2 in about 15 minutes. The pot starts with star anise, then honey.

Ingredients

• 3 cups apple cider, (unsweetened, unfiltered)
• 5 whole cloves
• 2 star anise
• 2 3" cinnamon sticks
• ¼ tsp peppercorns
• ½ orange (pierced through rind several times)
• 1/2" fresh ginger (optional)
• 1/4-1/2 cup honey (optional)
• 2-4 oz brandy

Method

1. Tip in all of the ingredients except for the honey and brandy to a saucepan. Warm on medium heat until it starts to gently simmer. Then reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. After 10 minutes, take off of the heat and keep covered for 5 more minutes.
3. Meanwhile, pour 1 to 2 ounces of brandy into each mug.
4. Strain the cider and put back in saucepan. If you are adding honey, start with 1/4 cup and stir well. Taste and add more if you'd like it sweeter.
5. Tip in the cider into the mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

More holiday ideas are in the holiday collection.