Simple Cider

My drink of choice this holiday season has been cranberry cider. It's tart and comforting and a complete contrast to the cold weather outside. The color alone is enough to warm you up.

Rosy Cranberry Cider
Recipe courtesy of Martha Stewart

2 oranges
2 quarts cranberry juice
4 three-inch cinnamon sticks
2 two-inch pieces fresh ginger, peeled and sliced lengthwise
Sugar, to taste

With a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, remove four 3-inch-long strips of peel from orange; set aside. Juice orange, and strain out pulp. In a medium stockpot, combine orange juice, reserved orange peel, cranberry juice, cinnamon sticks, and ginger. Taste, and add sugar if desired. Heat over medium-high heat until simmering. Reduce heat to low; simmer 20 minutes. Strain, and discard solids. Serve hot. Serves 6 to 8.