Smoked Apple Cider

Ingredients

• 1 gallon fresh apple cider
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole cloves
• 3 star anise pods
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 apple, sliced
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
• 1 cup bourbon, optional

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat the smoker to 225°F with apple or cherry wood. Pour cider into a Dutch oven or deep grill-safe pan.

2. 2

   Add cinnamon, cloves, star anise, orange, apple, maple syrup and ginger and stir once.

3. 3

   Smoke uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes, until fragrant with a gentle smoke flavor.

4. 4

   Strain out the spices and fruit. Taste and add more maple syrup only if needed.

5. 5

   Keep warm below a simmer. Add bourbon to individual mugs or to the pot after it leaves the heat.