1 Ltr Cider
3/4 cup honey
1 cup brandy or dark rum
1 stick cinnamon
1 stick vanilla
10 cloves
1 orange

This is a great drink for cold weather and it is also a good follower for a heavy holiday dinner.

Pour the cider into a suitable pan/pot over medium heat. Cut the orange in half and use a grater to take a quantity of zest from one of the halves. With a mortar and pestle or with the end of a knife handle on a clean cutting board knead the zest to release its flavour. Sweep the zest into the cider. Cut that half of the orange into slices and put that into the cider, as well.

Slice the vanilla stick open and using a blunt knife scrape the buds from inside into the cider. Put all the remaining ingredients into the cider.

Slowly bring the cider to a point where it is piping hot, but not boiling. Give the cider a taste to make sure it is sweet; if it's not, add small amounts of honey until the drink is sufficiently sweet. Leave over heat until it is steaming hot.

Cut the other half orange into slices and stud them with five or six cloves each. Pour the cider into mugs and top with the cloved orange slices.

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