Spicy Mulled Cider #SmoothieWorld

Ingredients:

• 1 quarts apple cider
• 3/4 to 1 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 8 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• cinnamon sticks for garnish, optional

Instructions:

1. Makes approx 2 quarts.

2. In large saucepan, combine all ingredients except garnish; bring to boil.

3. Reduce heat, simmer uncovered 10 minutes to blend flavors.

4. Remove spices; serve hot with cinnamon stocks and sliced apples if desired.

Fizzy Tequila Tamarind #SmoothieWorld

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces tamarind paste (from seedless pliable block), coarsely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 5 cups water, divided
• 1 4-ounce piece fresh ginger, peeled, thinly sliced into rounds (scant 1 cup)
• 1 cup sugar
• 12 orange slices, divided
• 3/4 cup silver (or white) tequila
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• Ice cubes
• 3 cups chilled club soda, divided

Preparation:

(1) Bring tamarind and 2 cups water to boil in small saucepan. Reduce heat; simmer until tamarind is soft, stirring often and breaking up with wooden spoon, about 25 minutes. Transfer to strainer set over bowl. Press on tamarind to extract puree; discard solids in strainer. Cool.

(2) Bring 1 cup water, ginger, and sugar to boil in another small saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Cool ginger syrup.

(3) Place 6 orange slices in bottom of large pitcher; mash with muddler or handle of wooden spoon. Strain ginger syrup into same pitcher; discard ginger. Add 1 cup tamarind puree, tequila, lime juice, salt, and 2 cups water; stir to blend. Chill until cold.

(4) Fill 6 tall glasses with ice. Divide tamarind drink among glasses. Top each with 1/2 cup chilled club soda; garnish each drink with 1 orange slice.

(5) Makes 6 glasses.