Mulled Ale

Difficulty 1
Prep Time 7 min
Cook Time 7 min
Serves 4

Difficulty 1
Prep Time 7 min
Cook Time 7 min
Serves 4

Seasonal and winter ales are rich and inviting, so why not add some warm spices and citrus to make them even more festive? And even if it’s not the season for making merry, this drink is delicious with brown ale as the base — its sweet, caramelly notes bring out the best in the cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. A homemade drink kit with all the components makes a really nice gift, too.

Ingredients

2 473 mL cans fall or winter seasonal ale or brown ale, divided
1/4 cup (60 mL) packed brown sugar
6 strips orange peel (see tips)
5 cloves
4 green cardamom pods, crushed
2 3-inch-long cinnamon sticks
1/4 cup (60 mL) orange juice
Grated or ground nutmeg (optional)

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 can ale, brown sugar, orange peel, cloves, cardamom pods and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a simmer over low heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until brown sugar is dissolved and the ale begins to take on some flavour, about 3 minutes. (Do not boil.)
2. Add remaining 1 can ale and simmer until flavours intensify and any bitterness mellows out, 5 to 6 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in orange juice. Serve immediately. Sprinkle nutmeg (if using) over each serving.

Tips

Use a vegetable peeler to cut the strips of orange peel. Make sure to press gently to avoid getting any of the white pith under the skin — it can be quite bitter.
A packet of this spice mix makes a cute, thoughtful holiday gift. Give it along with the ale, a couple of juicy oranges, a whole nutmeg (with a fine grater) and a copy of the recipe.

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