- Can I substitute black peppercorns?
- Not recommended. Black pepper is sharp and pungent, lacking the fruity, sweet aroma of pink peppercorns.
Pink peppercorn and vanilla apple cider
Pink peppercorn isn't actually pepper, but the berry of a South American tree, offering a flavour that is simultaneously sweet, fruity, and mildly spicy. In this recipe, this unique spice meets apple to create an exciting, perfumed drink that stands apart from the usual world of mulled wines.
Ingredients
500
ml
Apple cider
1
tsp
Whole pink peppercorns
40
g
Honey
1
tsp
Orange zest
1
tsp
Vanilla extract
1
piece
Cinnamon stick
100
ml
Whipping cream
1
slice
Fresh orange
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Mortar or knife blade: For crushing the peppercorns.
- Saucepan: For heating.
- Fine sieve: Essential to ensure no peppercorn pieces end up in the glass.
Allergen Information
Milk
Sulphites (in cider)
Instructions
1
✓
Gently crack the pink peppercorns using the flat side of a knife or a mortar and pestle, just enough to split the skins.
Tip: This allows the essential oils inside the spices to escape and transfer their flavour to the liquid.
2
✓
Heat the cider with the cracked pepper, cinnamon, and orange zest until steaming. Do not let it boil!
Tip: Gentle heat treatment preserves the freshness of the apple and the volatile aromas of the pink pepper.
3
✓
Stir in the honey and vanilla, then remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
Tip: The resting period allows the flavours to marry (infusion) without 'overcooking' the drink.
4
✓
Meanwhile, whip the cream into soft, creamy peaks.
Tip: Overwhipped cream can feel greasy; soft peaks blend better with the drink.
5
✓
Strain the drink into glasses through a fine sieve, ensuring no peppercorn pieces remain. Garnish with the cream and orange slice.
Tip: Pink peppercorn skins can cause throat irritation, so careful straining is important.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 500 ml Apple cider
- 1 tsp Whole pink peppercorns
- 40 g Honey
- 1 tsp Orange zest
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 piece Cinnamon stick
- 100 ml Whipping cream
- 1 slice Fresh orange