Hot Cinnamon Apple Brandy Cider

Ingredients

½ gallon fresh apple cider (the kind that’s in the refrigerated section)

1 cup apple brandy*, optional

4 tablespoons honey

¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon brown sugar

¾ teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon ground cloves

one pinch salt

½ teaspoon ground pepper

cinnamon sticks, for garnish

orange peel, for garnish

Preparation

Combine all the ingredients (except garnishes) in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Simmer for about ten minutes, then remove from heat and pour into heat-proof mugs. Twist the orange peel to release the oils, and then garnish each mug with a cinnamon stick and peel.