Spiced Apple Cider

By garciamoss

Ingredients

• 1 gallon apple cider, preferably fresh (the darker the better)
• 1 tablespoon whole allspice
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 4 cloves whole cloves
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• Brandy, Calvados (apple brandy), or bourbon (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Combine cider, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon sticks in a large pot. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean; add bean. Bring spiced cider just to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook just below a simmer until flavors meld, about 1 hour.
Strain cider through a sieve into another pot or heatproof punch bowl; discard solids in sieve. Add brandy to taste, if using. Ladle hot spiced cider into cups.