Mulled Sparkling Cider
One popular winter tradition is the use of hot mulled beverages enjoyed on cold nights. Mulling is a centuries-old practice in which various spices and fruit essences are added into ciders. Typical ingredients include allspice, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, star anise and various dried fruit peels.
President George Washington and him family were cider lovers, as guests discovered when they visited the Mount Vernon Estate. In 1774 records indicate the family purchased no less than 477 gallons. Washington also made his own cider, probably at River Farm, one of the five adjacent farms which formed the estate. Today's Mount Vernon cider, offered in a green champagne-style bottle with a red foil neck wrap, is lightly mulled in flavor. $9.95 |