Hot Mulled Apple (with optional rum!)

The snow has finally arrived and there is no better way to warm up than by grabbing yourself a glass of hot mulled apple.  My sister introduced this to me at her Christmas film screening and I cannot get enough of it!!  It's super easy and is cosiness in a glass.  So give it a whirl and let me know what you think:

Ingredients:

• 2 cartons of cloudy apple juice (some recipes say use clear but I think cloudy's much better!)
• 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled using a teaspoon (there's your McWhinney tip!)
• 1 lemon, cut in quarters
• 1 orange, cut in quarters
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• Grated nutmeg
• A pinch of allspice (optional)
• 4 cloves
• As an alternative option, some supermarkets have spiced teabags specifically made for mulled drinks.  You can use these instead of adding the spices individually, although they're often only available around Christmas time.

Method:

1. Put all the ingredients into a saucepan
2. Place over a medium heat and bring to a gentle boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes.
4. Strain the mixture and serve hot in mugs.
5. Make sure you let it cool a little and add an optional shot (or two) of rum - I know which version i'm choosing!

So get cosy and enjoy!