Apple Cider Turkey Brine

Ingredients

• 3 quarts apple cider
• 3 quarts water
• 1 ½ cups salt
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup black pepper corns
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon allspice berries
• 1 tablespoon juniper berries
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 turkey, 10-12 lbs

Directions

1. In a large pot, combine the apple cider, water, salt, brown sugar, pepper corns, bay leaves, allspice berries, juniper berries, and fresh rosemary.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring to dissolve the salt and sugar. Remove from heat.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the brine and let cool to room temperature.
4. Place the turkey in a large container and pour the cooled brine over the turkey, making sure the entire turkey is submerged. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
5. The next day, remove the turkey from the brine and discard the brine. Rinse the turkey under cold running water.
6. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and place on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Roast according to your recipe instructions.

Interesting Facts

• Brining your turkey in apple cider helps to keep it moist during roasting.
• The addition of rosemary, bay leaves, and allspice berries adds wonderful flavor to the brine and the cooked turkey.
• This brining method works for both fresh and frozen turkeys.