Delicious Mulled Cran-Apple Cider 🍎

Recipe by: @nutritious.kids.foods⁠

I love that this drink makes my entire house smell like warm fall spices. This drink contains a few spices, but doesn’t make the drink too spicy, which makes it great for kids to enjoy as well.

Ingredients:

🍎4 pounds of gala apples, rinsed well, quartered and core removed 
🍎1 navel orange, rinsed well and quartered
🍎1 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed well 
🍎1 tablespoon lemon juice 
🍎1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
🍎3 cinnamon sticks
🍎1 whole nutmeg 
🍎16 cups of water
🍎1/2 cup maple syrup or brown sugar, add more if desired
Note: I like a combination of 1/2 cup of maple syrup and about 2-3 tablespoons of brown sugar (add more or less of the brown sugar) 

Instructions:

1. Add the apples, oranges,  cranberries, lemon juice, cloves, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg and water to a large pot and bring to a boil. Note: cranberries might begin to make a popping noise. 

2. Once it boils, cover it with a lid, lower heat to low and allow to simmer for 2 hours (stirring occasionally).

3. Remove the oranges and nutmeg. Use a potato masher to carefully mash the apples and the  cranberries. 

4. Add the maple syrup or brown sugar. Bring the mixture back up to a boil and simmer for 1 hour, uncovered (stirring occasionally).

5. Place a large strainer over a large bowl. Carefully, strain the mixture through a large fine mesh. Press the mixture with the back of a spoon to release all of its juices. Discard the solids. 

6. Taste for sweetness and add more if desired. May serve with diced oranges, apples and a cinnamon stick. Enjoy!