Fall Spice Cordial

Based on a recipe from Sir Hugh Plat's "Delightes for Ladies" (1609), although he wouldn't have used vanilla or allspice, which are both New World foods and not commonly found in Europe until after 1750.

• Ready In: 720 hrs 10 mins
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 1 qt

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup light brown sugar
• 1⁄2 cup white sugar
• 2 1⁄4 cups  apple juice or 2 1⁄4 cups apple cider
• 1  teaspoon real vanilla extract
• 1  teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  orange rind, dried
• 1  cup  white brandy
• 1⁄2 cup vodka, 100 proof

Directions

1. Bring brown sugar, white sugar and apple juice to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Add cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice and orange peel.
3. Boil for 4 minutes and remove from heat.
4. Let stand until just warm.
5. Transfer to a clean 1 qt aging vessel.
6. Add vanilla, brandy and vodka.
7. Cover tightly and let stand for 1-4 weeks.
8. Filter through paper towels or coffee filters (you'll get a clearer product with coffee filters, but it's a lot slower), then pour into tight-sealing, pretty bottles.
9. Makes a great holiday gift.