Winter Cloister Brew: Warm Mulled Cider With a Spiced Twist
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Ingredients
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1 liter apple cider
(Use fresh, natural apple cider for best flavor)
-
2 pieces Cinnamon Sticks
(Preferably Ceylon cinnamon sticks)
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6 whole cloves
(Whole cloves provide a milder aroma)
-
2 pieces Star anise
-
2 cm Fresh ginger
(Sliced thinly)
-
1 tsp Smoked black tea leaves
(Lapsang Souchong compliments the warmth)
-
2 tbsp Honey
(Adjust sweetness to taste)
-
1 tsp Orange zest
(Use fresh zest from a medium orange)
(Use fresh, natural apple cider for best flavor)
(Preferably Ceylon cinnamon sticks)
(Whole cloves provide a milder aroma)
(Sliced thinly)
(Lapsang Souchong compliments the warmth)
(Adjust sweetness to taste)
(Use fresh zest from a medium orange)
Nutrition
- Servings: 4
- Serving Size: 1 warm mug (250ml)
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Calcium: 20 mg
- Iron: 0.3 mg
Instructions
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1 - Prepare spice mixture:
Combine cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, ginger slices, and smoked tea in a small sachet or cheesecloth.
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2 - Heat cider and spices:
Pour apple cider into a saucepan, add the spice sachet, and orange zest if using. Heat gently over low-medium heat until hot but not boiling.
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3 - Sweeten and simmer:
Stir in honey, tasting to adjust sweetness. Let the brew simmer gently with the spices infused for 5 more minutes.
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4 - Strain and Serve:
Remove the spice sachet and pour the brew into warm mugs. Serve immediately with an optional cinnamon stick garnish.
Combine cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, ginger slices, and smoked tea in a small sachet or cheesecloth.
Pour apple cider into a saucepan, add the spice sachet, and orange zest if using. Heat gently over low-medium heat until hot but not boiling.
Stir in honey, tasting to adjust sweetness. Let the brew simmer gently with the spices infused for 5 more minutes.
Remove the spice sachet and pour the brew into warm mugs. Serve immediately with an optional cinnamon stick garnish.
More About: Winter Cloister Brew: Warm Mulled Cider With a Spiced Twist
Winter Cloister Brew
Winter Cloister Brew is a warming English-inspired mulled cider crafted especially for chilly nights. It combines fresh apple cider with aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and fresh ginger. To deepen the flavor, a touch of smoked black tea (Lapsang Souchong) is optionally infused, adding a unique smoky depth familiar to traditional English teatime delights. The brew is sweetened with honey, allowing each sip to provide comfort and complexity. A sprinkle of fresh orange zest balances with zesty brightness, making this drink perfect to serve at cozy gatherings or quiet winter evenings.
This warm spiced drink evokes the history of England's cider-making regions where apple orchards flourish and spices were treasured commodities brought by maritime trade. Its cordials and creams found in cloistered monasteries laid the foundations of using warming spices in beverages. As a seasonal specialty, the Winter Cloister Brew treads that cultural line between refreshment and ritual camaraderie.
Tips include heating the mixture slowly to preserve aromatic oils in spices and to avoid boiling off natural cider solids. The smoked tea option lets enthusiasts experiment enhancing traditional flavors with an elegant Campfire note. Serve with cinnamon stick garnish for an inviting presentation. Crafted easily for any skill level, it captures the warmth and history of English winters all year round.
