In winters past spiced cider has been something that I've enjoyed but never thought too much about, I would generally classify myself as more of a hot cocoa girl. But something happened to me this winter, and I have become a spiced hot apple cider fiend! I ask for it at every cafe and have made it at home on several occasions. There is something about the spice and hot tart sweetness that feels like the ultimate in coziness. It has only let me down once, when I ordered it and saw behind the counter a scoop of some sort of powdered "hot apple cider mix" being mixed with preheated water. I was not pleased, but that doesn't count as cider anyway- and I've since learned to ask before ordering (if it seems like it might be a question).

To make spiced cider this is what I do:
Pour apple cider (NOT apple juice) into a saucepan and generously add a mix of cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns, allspice, and cloves. If I'm feeling fancy I will add some cardamom pods as well. I bring the mixture up to a boil, and let it go for a couple of minutes, then bring it down to a simmer for about 10 minutes or as long as it takes to get the spices infused in the drink. Then I pour it into a mug and enjoy! I don't strain it, all of the spices are in big enough pieces that you won't accidentally swallow them, and it is kind of nice to get stronger whiffs of flavor from time to time.

Plus the cinnamon sticks can be used as straws, I've always loved that.