Ina Garten’s Hot Spiced Cider Is Absolutely Perfect (Like We’d Expect Anything Less)

Ina Garten has blessed us with many gifts in 2020 (her epic quarantine cosmo and vibrant Salmorejo come to mind), and her newly published recipe for Hot Spiced Apple Cider is no exception. Ina shared the recipe — a sneak peak from her forthcoming cookbook, Modern Comfort Food — on the first official day of fall, and I swear when she did the air became crisper and the leaves began to turn from green to orange and red. I knew I had to try Ina’s take on mulled cider right away! Here’s why you’re going to want to make this recipe ASAP.

Get the recipe: Ina Garten’s Hot Spiced Apple Cider on Barefoot Contessa

There are lots of ways to make mulled cider — on your stovetop or in the slow cooker, with whole spices or ground — and Ina’s is as straightforward as it gets. You’ll infuse apple cider with anise, cinnamon, cloves, and a strip of orange peel in a pot on the stovetop, then strain it to remove the whole spices and pour into glasses. A splash of good bourbon is optional, but highly recommended.

You could make this recipe for the aroma alone: Simmering apple cider with warm spices on your stovetop will make your entire house smell like a sweet apple pie in less time than it takes to roll out a pie crust. (I even had a neighbor stop by and ask what I was baking). Poured into a mug with a splash of bourbon, this version of mulled cider is oh-so soothing. The anise, cloves, and cinnamon are delicious without overpowering the taste of the cider, and the addition of the orange peel keeps the drink from tasting too sweet. It’s the perfect warm drink for fall.

More Ina Love: The 10 Ina Garten Recipes We Love to Make in the Fall