The holidays just aren’t the holidays without family visiting. My sister came home to visit us for Christmas which made the holiday feel more complete. While she was home, I mentioned that I wanted to make a hot drink that was somewhat different but I really wasn’t sure what.
My mom made a hot apple cider, and I wasn’t necessarily in the mood for that. There’s nothing wrong with apple cider, especially hers. But I was in one of those odd moods. You know the kind. I didn’t want hot chocolate either. It was just a hot drink funk, and I was feeling thoroughly confused.
Anyway, she mentioned that when she was home in Arkansas, she went to a restaurant and had pear cider. “Now THAT’S different,” I thought to myself and I knew I needed to give it a try.
After thinking about what I needed, I ran out for some pear nectar and oranges. I already had mulling spices in my cabinet, so I was mostly ready for this new adventure with cider. I poured the pear nectar into a large pot, stuck cloves into an orange and dropped it in, and then I added some nutmeg, allspice berries and cinnamon. And result of this cider experiment? It was so incredibly warming and comforting. If you’re weary of apple cider but like it, give this a try for something new to warm you up this winter!
Hot Pear Cider
Makes 2 Quarts
Ingredients
2 quarts of pear nectar
1 medium orange
12 cloves
1 whole nutmeg
1/4 cup brown sugar
4 allspice berries
1 cinnamon stick
Directions
- Place pear nectar in a large pot.
- Place cloves in the orange and drop that in the pot with the nectar.
- Add the spices; nutmeg, allspice berries, and cinnamon stick. Stir in the brown sugar.
- Heat the apple cider over medium heat, until it begins to simmer, then reduce the heat and continue to simmer for about 30 minutes. Simmer longer for a stronger flavor. Once the cider is spiced to your liking remove from the heat. Remove the spices from the pot with a slotted spoon.
- Serve hot.
