HOT APPLE CIDER DONUT MOCKTAIL

Hot Apple Cider Donut Mocktail image

Provided by Food Network

Time 20m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 1/2 cups apple cider
1/4 cup maple syrup
Pinch ground nutmeg
2 dashes orange flavored bitters
2 cinnamon sticks
2 cloves
1/2 vanilla bean pod, seeds scraped from pod
1/2 mandarin orange
4 apple cider donut holes, for garnish
Dried apple slices for garnish, optional
2 ounces vanilla vodka or whipped cream vodka, optional

Steps:

Combine the cider, maple syrup, nutmeg, orange bitters, cinnamon sticks, cloves, vanilla bean and seeds and the orange half in a medium saucepot. Whisk to combine, then bring up to a boil over medium-high heat. Immediately turn the heat down to low and let simmer for 5 minutes.
Carefully remove the cinnamon sticks, cloves and orange half. With a ladle, divide the cider into 2 mugs (see Cook's Note). Place 2 donut holes on 6-inch skewers or skewer them on the cinnamon sticks. Garnish each mug with a cinnamon stick and donut skewer or dried apple slices. Serve warm.