Christopher Michel has been the Senior Food and Gardens Editor at Country Living Magazine since March of 2021. Chris has over ten years of experience writing and editing for national magazines and websites, mostly in the food space, such as Cooking Light, The Kitchn, Rodale’s Organic Life, and Bon Appetit. Prior to that, Chris worked in a variety of food spaces in New York City. In 2022, Chris completed the Alabama Master Gardener’s Program hosted by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
\nChris lives in Birmingham, AL, where he enjoys running, reading, and cooking for his wife and two girls.","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/4ee90ba8-a422-457b-8971-34d2096febf7_1623953979.jpg"},"name":"Woodchuck Warmer Apple Cider Cocktail","prepTime":"PT20M","cookTime":"PT0S","totalTime":"PT50M","recipeIngredient":["6 large or 8 medium apples, chopped, plus slices for garnish","1 lemon, halved","3 cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish","1 tsp. whole cloves","2 star anise, plus more for garnish","1 (2 1/2-inch) piece fresh ginger, sliced","1/4 to 1/2 cup pure maple syrup","1 1/2 c. apple brandy (such as Laird’s) or bourbon"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Place apples, lemon, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and ginger in an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker. Add just enough water to cover apples (about 4 1/2 cups). Close and set to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Turn off and allow to depressurize naturally for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure. "},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Strain contents through a fine mesh strainer, pressing out all liquid. Stir in maple syrup to taste. "},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Add apple brandy or bourbon to mugs, dividing evenly. Top with hot cider and garnish with apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise."}],"recipeYield":"6 - 8 serving(s)","recipeCuisine":[],"recipeCategory":["cocktail"],"aggregateRating":{"@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":5,"reviewCount":1,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"@context":"http://schema.org"}
large or 8 medium apples, chopped, plus slices for garnish
1
lemon, halved
3
cinnamon sticks, plus more for garnish
1tsp.
whole cloves
2
star anise, plus more for garnish
1
(2 1/2-inch) piece fresh ginger, sliced
1/4
to 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
11/2c.
apple brandy (such as Laird’s) or bourbon
Directions
Step 1Place apples, lemon, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and ginger in an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker. Add just enough water to cover apples (about 4 1/2 cups). Close and set to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Turn off and allow to depressurize naturally for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
Step 2Strain contents through a fine mesh strainer, pressing out all liquid. Stir in maple syrup to taste.
Step 3Add apple brandy or bourbon to mugs, dividing evenly. Top with hot cider and garnish with apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.