A West Coast Christmas Post

It was in the minus digits today at our place and I found a fun and historic (recipe) way to keep warm this Holiday season: 

The Empress Hotel's Warm Christmas Scrumpy

(non-alcoholic)

Victoria, Vancouver Island, B.C.. 

Opened in 1908, when it was decorated with the city's largest Christmas tree and celebrated with a Christmas Eve Ball.

2 1/2 cups apple juice

2 1/2 cups boiling water

2 tablespoons maple syrup

3 drops bitters

4 cinnamon sticks

4 slices each lemon and lime

ground nutmeg

Combine apple juice, water, maple syrup, bitters and cinnamon sticks in a large saucepan. Heat for a few minutes to preferred serving temperature and to allow flavours to blend. Do not boil.

Pour into 12-ounce glasses or mugs. Garnish each with a twist of lemon and lime. Sprinkle with nutmeg and add an additional cinnamon stick for garnish. Makes 4 servings.

Hint: Use a coffee maker to keep the Scrumpy warm.

As you would have guessed the impressive Empress Hotel.