Mulled Cider (aka Spiced Cider)

And now, we bring you a semi-seasonal appropriate drink of Mulled Cider. This mulled cider recipe takes into account that most of you schlubs don't have access to fresh spices, and uses the kind of middle America mega-mart crap you're likely to have around. Also, it's another one that you can give to your non-alcohol-drinking friends, although a much better solution to that issue is simply to not associate with the Ladie's Temperance Movement type of people.

Remember, don't do this with apple juice, because that's dumb.  You need American Sweet Cider for this. Check the footnotes for more info.

Pinky Street ladies don't measure, because they've done this for too long and so they know how much they like. You can either wing it until it tastes how you like it (which is not hard) or check around for some references.

Some other Mulled Cider links are:
eHow's take on Mulled Cider.
A video tutorial on youtube.
Betty here uses spicy chili powder in this version.

Spices used are fake cinnamon known as Cassia, Cloves, Allspice, Nutmeg, Orange or Lemon Zest, not pictured (or used) is Star Anise. Star Anise does nothing really at this point, since it gets overpowered by everything else in here, but you can still throw it in a single mug before serving to people if you want to look all smart and impress the simps you hang out with.

It's much easier to make fruit zests with one of these, than it is with one of these.

The above image was taken here; Sahadi's Imports in Brooklyn NY.

The above Applejack is actually made by being distilled the same way just about all other liquor is.  Don't try to freeze hard cider at home to make your own Applejack, it won't work and you'll end up with hangover-juice.

Ginger paste can be made or bought. Read the label though, because you never know what ends up in those pre-made things in the plastic tubes.

"Blooming" the spices with a little bit of sweet vinegar can also work if you're looking to avoid booze (ya pansy). It won't be exactly the same, but it will help.

Sugar Chemistry and such.




Cone brewing, not just for coffee anymore.

Unfortunately not used in this example, a much finer quality AppleJack other than Laird's is Cornelius Applejack. It's worth it.

Raw Ciders and Apple Cider Donuts have been picked up at Goold Orchard, and Golden Harvest Farms in New York.

Next up; The cold weather drinks continue, with Pinky Street super-thick Hot Chocolate.

Hot Chocolate and Pinky Street - two awesome things together.
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