Oh how I miss real apple cider! I haven't had any since I moved from apple country. The stuff they sell as "cider" down here in the South is nothing more than apple juice and is incredibly sweet.

I find that a great easy way to spice one cup of cider is by heating it up in the microwave with an orange tea bag. the flavors are definitely the same!

I like to add orange and lemon slices during the simmer, not just as a garnish. This stuff makes your house smell like heaven!

I add orange peel. I'm so excited for hot apple cider season, thanks for reminding me!

(orange peel in addition to the ingredients listed above)

williams sonoma makes a nice already mixed mulling spices that are great for when you just want an individual cup.

Sadly, it's too hot here in the fall for hot apple cider. But I always tart mine up in the winter with a splash of brandy, a little butter, and a cinnamon stick.

Agree that pre-made cider in the South is more super thick, super thick apple juice than anything else.

But for the actual winter (winter, that's funny. We don't really have one.), I have two friends that do alternatives--one has a good recipe for mulled wine, and the other has a KNOCK.OUT. recipe for hot buttered rum.

I'll dig and see if I can find the recipes to share.

You make the hot buttered rum in a crock pot. SO good.

Quite a nice recipe, but I still prefer a cold, crisp hard cider to the hot stuff!

Nicole R, I'm looking forward to the recipe.

yesterday i was thinking i can't wait until its cool enough to try this recipe... today i wokeup to a windy and rainy day, the perfect weather :)

It gets better if you let leftovers stew in the spices in the fridge for a day. Yum!

i'd like the hot butter rum as well. I plannd on making some last winter and never got around to it, so i hope this year i can. I just fond a random recipe online, but it'll help if someone has a really good one already to go.

Please find it! *now i just gotta remember to check this later

I'm sorry, but the rum IS NOT optional.