Change it up

1 SUGAR & SPICE

Add ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice to apple mixture before cooking. Omit granulated sugar; sweeten to taste with 2 to 4 tbsp dark brown sugar.

2 HOT TODDY

After apple mixture is mashed, stir in additional 1 tbsp lemon juice and 4 to 6 tbsp rum or whiskey. Omit granulated sugar; sweeten with 1 to 3 tbsp liquid honey.

3 ORANGE & SAFFRON

Substitute grated orange zest for lemon zest, and orange juice for apple cider and lemon juice. Substitute 4 whole star anise for cinnamon sticks; add generous pinch of saffron before cooking. Sweeten with 1 to 2 tbsp granulated sugar.

4 CRANBERRY GINGER

Stir 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries into apple mixture. Substitute 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger for cinnamon sticks; add ½ cup granulated sugar before cooking. After cooking, sweeten with 1 to 2 tbsp granulated sugar.