Renée's Aesthetic

In case some of you may not know already, I LOVE anything made from scratch.  Whether it be a gift, household item, craft, but I've always had a soft spot for cooking growing up.  I want to share a quick recipe for a warm winter cocktail (seeing as how we've just had yet another lovely snowfall here in Winnipeg).  A homemade apple cider, with either Bourbon or Pimms #1.

Here's what you'll need...

8-10 apples

Water

2 cinnamon sticks

1 orange (the peal of)

A couple of cloves

1/2 cup of brown sugar (or substitute honey)

1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg

Either Bourbon or Pimms #1 to add after, whichever is your favorite ;)

Cheesecloth, string, large pot, potato masher, large "serving" spoon, mesh strainer, extra pot or jug with lid.

Cut the apples into quarters and toss them into the pot.  You'll want to add enough water to the pot to just cover the apples.  Tie the cloves, cinnamon sticks, and peel of one orange in cheesecloth with a string and toss that in the pot as well.  You can now add the brown sugar and nutmeg and let the pot come to a boil over medium heat for one hour, then simmer for an extra two hours.  Make sure you stir it every once in a while just to make sure nothing is sticking to the pot.

Once the mixture is done simmering for 2 hours, take it off the heat, remove the cheesecloth and mash whatever you can with the potato masher.  Then you can strain the mixture into another pot or jug (with a lid) to keep the juice.

Your apple cider is now done!  To enjoy the warm winter cocktail, just take two cups, heat on the stove and add one shot of either Bourbon or Pimms #1.  Enjoy!

-né