Spiced Apple-Calvados Cocktails

• Recipe by Tom Valenti

This seasonal cider can be poured over ice or warmed and served in mugs with cinnamon sticks as a garnish.

Ingredients

1. 1 quart apple cider
2. 2 tablespoons sugar
3. 1 teaspoon whole cloves
4. 1 cinnamon stick
5. 1/3 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
6. Salt
7. 4 cups Calvados or other apple brandy
8. Apple slices, for garnish

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, combine the cider, sugar, cloves, cinnamon stick, vanilla bean and seeds and a pinch of salt and bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat, cover and let stand until cool. Strain into a large pitcher; stir in the Calvados. Serve over ice, garnished with apple slices.

Make Ahead

The spiced cider can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.