Mulled Hard Pear Cider

Cocktail Recipe.

I was just about to dust off the spring recipes when I heard the weather man say that we could be in for another 15 inches of snow. This was disappointing news to say the least since I have been having a bout of Spring Fever lately. Well in a case such as this, what is one to do? Drink!

My husband and I have tried quite a few Apple Cider concoctions since the beginning of winter and decided to mix it up with a Pear Cider. My pear cider of choice is Doc’s which is from Warwick Valley Winery in upstate New York.

What do you do to beat the winter blues?

Mulled Hard Pear Cider

Ingredients
4 (22-ounce) bottles hard pear cider
Zest of 1 medium orange, removed in large strips
1 (3-inch) piece ginger, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick pieces
1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped (optional)
1/2 cup brandy
1/2 cup honey

Instructions
Combine cider, orange zest, ginger, and vanilla bean and seeds (if using) in a large pot, stir well, and bring to a simmer over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep for about 20 minutes.

Stir in brandy and honey, pour into heatproof mugs, and serve.

**The cider will keep up to 4 days in the refrigerator in a covered container.