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.
🕒 Prep Time 10 mins
🍳 Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 20 mins
🍽️ Servings 2 servings
🔥 Calories 270 kcal
🌍 Cuisine International

Ingredients

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

Can I substitute black peppercorns?
Not recommended. Black pepper is sharp and pungent, lacking the fruity, sweet aroma of pink peppercorns.

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