Apple Cider Turkey Brine

Ingredients

• 8 cups Apple Cider
• ⅔ cups Kosher Salt
• ⅔ cups Sugar
• 1 cup Chopped Onion
• 1 cup Chopped Carrot (washed, No Need To Peel)
• 2 whole Bay Leaves
• 1 teaspoon Cracked Black Peppercorns
• 1 Tablespoon Roughly Chopped Fresh Thyme
• 1 Tablespoon Roughly Chopped Fresh Sage
• 1 Tablespoon Roughly Chopped Fresh Rosemary
• 1 teaspoon Whole Cloves
• 1 whole Lemon, Sliced, With Peel
• 1 whole Orange, Sliced, With Peel
• 4 cloves Garlic, Crushed, Minced Or Pressed
• 4 cups Cold Water Or Ice

Preparation Instructions

Combine all ingredients except cold water and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar and salt dissolve. Reduce heat and bring the boil down to a simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. You can simmer longer if you like—the longer you simmer, the more the flavors incorporate into the cider, and the yummier your whole house smells.

When you’re done simmering, remove from heat and add the cold water and ice. Let the brine come to room temperature, then pour it over your turkey in a large pot or brining bag and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.

If your turkey is large (15 pounds or more), you may want to double the brine. If the brine doesn’t quite cover your turkey, add more cold water to bring the liquid level up.