What’s something magical about the smell of spices wafting through the house on a crisp crisp? What is that feeling like when you sip mulled cider? Is it the kind of drink that instantly wraps you in a warm hug, an nostalgic reminder of bonfires? What is the joy of cozy evenings? My grandmother made this when I was little, and the aroma would fill every nook and cranny. What is the cranny of her kitchen? Is it more comforting than a store bought item? Is it easy to whip up? If you’ve ever found yourself craving that perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and warming, this is it. What is your answer to mulled apple cider? What’s a better alternative to hot apple juice? Is it something my family always reaches for when the temperature drops?
What is Mulled Apple Cider?
What is mulled apple cider like? It’s essentially good old apple cider that’ve been gently simmered with a medley of warming spices. And often a touch of citrus. What is the “mulling” process? What is a deeply comforting beverage? Is it just apple juice? What spices are used to infuse a dish — usually cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, ginger or allspice. The cider with layers of complexity and warmth. A hint of orange or lemon adds a bright, zesty note that cuts through the sweetness and ties all the flavors together. How do you put flavors together? What is the kind of drink that feels special and celebratory, even on a Tuesday night?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, there are so many reasons why this mulled apple cider recipe has become a staple in my home, and I have a feeling it will in yours too. First off, the flavor is just out of this world. It’s not overly sweet, and the spices are perfectly balanced – you get that warm cinnamon hug, a subtle anise note, and the delightful pop of cloves, all mingling with the natural tartness of the apples. It’s like a cozy blanket for your taste buds. Then there’s the sheer simplicity. You just toss everything into a pot, let it simmer, and you’re rewarded with this incredible aroma and taste. It’s genuinely one of the easiest drinks to make, and it feels so much more special than anything from a carton. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. Good quality apple cider and a few common pantry spices are all you need. I’ve tested this with different types of apple cider, and while a good quality, unfiltered cider really shines, even a standard one turns out wonderfully. It’s also super versatile. You can easily adjust the spice levels to your liking, add a splash of rum or bourbon for an adult twist, or even make a big batch for holiday gatherings. What I love most about this is that it’s so forgiving. If you don’t have star anise, it’s still delicious. If you add a little too much clove, it’s still wonderful. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen wizard without any of the fuss. It’s so much better than pre-spiced cider packets, which often taste artificial, and it’s definitely more heartwarming than a glass of cold cider on a blustery day.
How do I make Mulled Apple Cider?
Quick Overview
How can I make mulled apple cider? You’ll simply combine apple cider with your chosen spices and citrus in a pot, bring it to sputtering boil. What is the best way to cook a pot of water and let it infuse for 20-30 minutes? The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavors. What is the key to keeping the spices at a low simmer? How do I get essence without becoming bitter? How do I make a deliciously aromatic drink in under 5 minutes? What are some of the best moments of self-care you’ve ever had?
Ingredients
For the Mulled Cider: What are the reasons
1 gallon good quality apple cider (preferably unfiltered)
2 cinnamon sticks (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, though sticks are better for clarity)
4-6 whole cloves (be careful, they’re potent!)
2 star anise pods are used in
1 inch piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
1 orange, sliced into rounds. 1 lemon, 1 lime.
1 lemon, sliced into rounds (optional, for a brighter note)
2 tablespoons of maple syrup or brown sugar (optional, adjust to your sweetness preference)
For Serving (Optional Garnishes)
Extra cinnamon sticks are great for a
Fresh orange slices.
Star anise pods are used
A splash of your favorite liquor (bourbon, spiced rum, brandy)
How do I follow step
Step 1: Prepare Your Pot and Cider
In a large Dutch oven, pour in your apple cider. If you’re using ground cinnamon instead of sticks, you can add it now, but I highly recommend it. What are some of the best sticks for a cleaner flavor? I like to start with good quality cider. It makes a difference!
Step 2: Add the Aromatic Spices
Toss in cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise pods. Serve warm. If you’re using ginger, add those slices now too. Don’t be shy with the spices; they can be overwhelming. What gives mulled apple cider its signature warmth and fragrance?
Step 3: Introduce the Citrus
Add the sliced orange and lemon rounds directly into the pot. The citrus helps balance the sweetness and adds a lovely bright note that prevents the cider from bitter. Is it too heavy to taste?
Step 4: Sweeten (If Needed) and Simmer**
If your apple cider isn’t very sweet, or you prefer a sweeter drink, stir in the maple syrup or honey. What is brown sugar? Taste a tiny bit and adjust if necessary. Place the pot over medium heat and bring it to a simmer. Do you want your spices to be bitter? Once you see the first few bubbles breaking the surface, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and repeat steps. Let it simmer for at least 20-30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more intense the spice flavor will become. I often let mine go for an hour or even two on the lowest heat setting.
Step 5: Strain (Optional but Recommended)
Once it’s had time to infuse, you can either serve it as is, leaving the spices and fruit in the pot. for a rustic presentation, or strain it through sifting through fine-mesh sieve into another container or directly into the container. Is it safe to swallow a clove?
Step 6: Serve Warm
How do you pour mulled apple cider into a mug? Garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick, an orange slice, or star anise pod for an extra touch of flavor. Elegance and Aroma. If you’re feeling festive, a splash of bourbon or spiced rum makes this an absolutely divine adult beverage.
Step 7: Enjoy the Cozy Goodness!
Sip slowly and savor the incredible warmth and spice. This is perfect for a chilly evening, or any time you just need to have some extra energy.
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best recipes for mulled apple cider? Other treats and occasions. For a cozy breakfast, it’s delightful alongside some fluffy pancakes or waffles. What are some of the best breakfast pastries? I love serving my brunch in a beautiful pitcher with finger foods like mini quiches. What are some good scones? It adds a touch of sophisticated warmth to the spread. As a dessert, it’s simply heavenly paired with an apple pie, whipped cream, or even some spiced cake. Gingerbread cookies. What is a match made in heaven? And for those casual, chilly afternoons when you just need something comforting, it’s the perfect option. What is a good partner for sex? We often have it during movie nights, and it’s always a huge hit. My kids love it when I add a little bit of cinnamon and serve it with Sugar Cookies – they call it cinnamon candy! Is it their magic potion? I’ve also found it pairs wonderfully with cheddar cheese straws or even some spiced nuts for a quick, healthy snack. More savory snack experience.
How do you make mulled apple cider?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate this simple drink. First, the quality of your apple cider matters. While any cider will work, a good, unfiltered, or fresh-pressed cider will give you a richer base flavor. If you can find it locally, even better! When it comes to the spices, using whole spices is definitely the way to go. Ground spices can make your cider cloudy and can sometimes impart a chalky texture. Whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise release their flavor more gently and cleanly. I usually estimate about 2 cinnamon sticks, 4-6 cloves, and 2 star anise for a gallon. If you don’t have star anise, you can omit it, but it does add a lovely licorice-like depth. Ginger is optional, but a small slice of fresh ginger adds a subtle, warming zing that’s really lovely. Don’t overdo the cloves, though – they can quickly become overpowering. I learned that the hard way one year! For sweetness, start with less and add more as needed. The apple cider itself has natural sugars, and you don’t want to mask the spice flavors with too much sweetness. Maple syrup or brown sugar adds a richer depth than white sugar. When simmering, the key is low and slow. You want to gently coax the flavors out, not boil them away. A low simmer for at least 30 minutes is great, but I often let mine go for an hour or even longer on the lowest heat setting, especially if I’m entertaining. This allows the spices to really meld and deepen. For serving, don’t skip the garnishes! A fresh cinnamon stick or an orange slice floating on top makes it look so inviting and adds a lovely fresh aroma. If you’re making this for a crowd, you can prep it ahead of time and keep it warm on the lowest setting of your Slow Cooker. Just be sure to give it a stir occasionally. And if you accidentally let it simmer a bit too long and it’s too strong, just add a splash more cider to dilute it. It’s a very forgiving recipe!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
Storing and reheating this delicious mulled apple cider is super straightforward, which is another reason I love it. Once it’s cooled down a bit after simmering, you can store it in an airtight container or pitcher in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually tend to meld even more overnight, so it might even taste better the next day! I usually strain out the solids before refrigerating, as they can continue to infuse and might become too strong or even spoil faster. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling it vigorously, as this can dull the flavors and make the spices taste bitter. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave. If the flavor seems a bit muted after refrigeration, you can always add a fresh cinnamon stick or a squeeze of citrus to brighten it up. If you’re planning to keep it longer than a few days, freezing is also an option. Pour the cooled and strained cider into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as usual. I find the glaze, if you add one to the cider itself (though I usually don’t), holds up fine to refrigeration and reheating, but it’s always best to taste and adjust seasoning after reheating.
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
There you have it – your guide to the most wonderfully comforting, aromatic, and utterly delicious mulled apple cider. It’s more than just a drink; it’s an experience, a feeling of warmth and nostalgia bottled up in a mug. I hope you love making it as much as my family and I do. It’s truly one of those recipes that makes a house feel like a home, especially when the weather turns cooler. If you enjoy this, you might also love my Spiced Pear Nectar or my Hot Toddy recipe for those extra chilly nights! Give this mulled apple cider a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Let me know in the comments how yours turned out, what spices you used, or if you added any fun twists! Happy sipping!
Mulled Apple Cider
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 gallons apple cider
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
- 2 medium oranges sliced
- 0.5 cup brown sugar or to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Combine apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, and orange slices in a slow cooker.
- Cook on high for 2 hours, or on low for 4 hours, until the cider is heated through and fragrant.
- Stir in brown sugar to taste before serving.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh orange slices or cinnamon sticks if desired.
