Ingredients

• ½ gallon fresh apple cider
• 1 cup apple brandy
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 pinch salt
• 10 thin strips orange zest
• 10 small cinnamon sticks

Directions

1. Combine apple cider, apple brandy, 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, pepper, and salt in a pot over medium-high heat. Simmer until flavors combine, about 10 minutes.
2. Pour apple cider mixture into heat-proof mugs. Twist orange zest strips between your fingers to release the essential oils; drop 1 into each mug. Add 1 cinnamon stick to each mug.
   
   Cook’s Note:
   For best flavor, use fresh-pressed apple cider – available in the refrigerated section of the grocery store.