Warming Chai-Spiced Apple Cider

The ultimate cool-weather beverage gets a lift from soothing chai tea and aromatic ginger in a picnic-perfect hot apple cider.

6 cups (1.5 L) apple cider
2 chai tea bags (regular or decaffeinated)
1 in (2.5 cm) slice of fresh ginger, peeled and left whole

In small saucepan, bring 1 cup (250 mL) apple cider to a boil; add chai tea bags and ginger. Remove from heat, cover, and steep for 45 minutes.

Fill 1 large or 2 medium thermal containers with boiling water to preheat for transporting hot cider. Set aside.

In large saucepan, combine remaining 5 cups (1.25 L) apple cider with prepared 1 cup (250 mL) chai tea-infused cider. Bring to a gentle boil. Remove from heat. Carefully transfer cider to thermal container(s) for transporting to picnic, along with 6 small ceramic mugs for serving.

Serves 6.

Each serving contains: 120 calories; 0 g protein; 0 g total fat; 30 g total carbohydrates (27 g sugars, 3 g fibre); 60 g sodium

source: "Picnic of Plenty", alive #384, October 2014