Soft Cider Citrus Mock-tail

Ingredients:

• 10-12 apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties)
• 1 orange
• 1 lemon
• 4-6 cinnamon sticks
• 4-6 whole cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice (optional)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar or to taste (adjust for sweetness)
• 8-10 cups of water

Directions:

1. Wash and chop the apples into quarters, leaving the skin and core intact. You don't need to peel or seed them.

2. Cut the orange and lemon into slices, leaving the peels on.

3. In a large stockpot, combine the chopped apples, orange slices, lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and ground allspice (if using).

4. Pour in the water, ensuring that the fruit and spices are submerged.

5. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1-2 hours. Stir occasionally and mash the softened fruit with a potato masher or a spoon to release more flavor.

6. After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly.

7. Using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth placed over a large bowl or another pot, strain the liquid to remove the bulk of the solids.

8. Now, for a finer straining using a nut milk bag, place the nut milk bag over a clean bowl or pot. Pour the partially strained liquid into the nut milk bag. Gather the top of the nut milk bag and twist it closed.

9. Squeeze the nut milk bag gently but firmly to extract as much liquid as possible. The nut milk bag will capture any remaining solids, resulting in a clearer cider.

10. Return the strained cider to the pot and add brown sugar to taste. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.

11. Place the pot back on the stove and heat the cider over low heat until it's warmed through. Do not let it boil.

12. Once heated to your liking, serve the apple cider warm in mugs or cups. Optionally, garnish with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange.

Enjoy your homemade apple cider with a smoother texture thanks to the nut milk bag straining method!