Remember remember, the fifth of November.
Tonight is bonfire night!*
*Said in Shakespearean stage whisper.
Britain will be aflame with fireworks, bonfires and sparklers. People all over our fair isles will gaze up in wonderment and brusquely ignore how bloody freezing it is!
Two things are compulsory on Bonfire Night;
- Sausages,
- Hot, spiced cider.
I’m very happy to tell you that I have (and am willing to share) the perfect Mulled Cider recipe.
It’s quick, easy and really rather good.
You’ll need to gather a few ingredients.
1litre of cloudy cider (you’ll never guess why I chose this ^ one!)
Half litre of ginger beer
1 orange
Handful of cloves
Couple of cinnamon sticks
Splash of maple syrup (or honey)
Sloe gin or spiced rum (optional)
Stab a good few small holes into your orange (use a skewer or a pencil) and poke your cloves in. Pop into the bottom of a large saucepan, pour over your cider, ginger beer, add your cinnamon sticks and splash of syrup. Put the lid on and bring to the boil.
Once it’s boiled, turn the heat off, add a measure or two of sloe gin (or rum).
Pour into a jug, orange ‘n’ all.
We wrap ours in a napkin as a vague attempt to keep it warm before pouring!
Serve in mugs or jars if you’d like larger rations.
Don’t use glasses as they might not cope with the heat very well.
Add an extra slice of orange and a cinnamon stick if you’re feeling festive!
Serve outside.
Makeshift tablecloth optional, but highly recommended!
The recipe makes about 3.5pints, so multiply as needed.
You can always make a big batch ahead of time and warm it up when your guests arrive. The flavours will get even stronger and they’re bound to be thoroughly impressed.
I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Autumn.
…but perhaps I’ll have to mull it over.
Sorry, had to be done. Couldn’t leaf that one be!
