As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, there’s nothing like a cozy drink to warm your spirits. Enter mulled cider, the ideal drink for fall holiday parties, family gatherings, or simply lounging by the fireplace. This drink is made from fresh cider and a blend of warm spices. This cider cider pairs wonderfully with the season’s crisp air and festive atmosphere. Here’s our favorite drink recipe for those seeking comfort and a flavor burst in every sip.
What is Mulled Cider?
Mulled cider is a warm, spiced beverage made by infusing apple cider with a variety of aromatic ingredients such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and sometimes citrus fruits like oranges or lemons. It can be sweetened with sugar or honey and may include additional flavorings like nutmeg, ginger, or even a splash of alcohol like rum or brandy. Typically served hot, mulled cider is a popular drink in the fall and winter months, celebrated for its ability to warm you from the inside out and fill the air with its inviting, festive aroma. It is a staple at holiday gatherings, outdoor events, and seasonal festivals, offering both comfort and cheer.
Mulled Cider Recipe
Time to Prepare
- 10 minutes for preparation
- Cooking time: 20-30 minutes for simmering
Ingredients
- 1 gallon of fresh apple cider (store-bought or homemade). You’re looking for unfiltered apple juice with a cloudy appearance (not the “apple juice” you often see on store shelves that’s full of sugar).
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- Star anise (if you like a licorice flavor)
- 1 cup of cranberry juice
- 2 navel oranges, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced into lemon slices
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- Optional: A pinch of ground nutmeg
- Optional: 1/2 cup of rum or brandy
Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
- Strainer or piece of cheesecloth
- Mugs for serving
Instructions
- Preparation: Start by washing your fresh orange and lemon. Slice the navel oranges and lemon into rounds, taking care to remove any seeds.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, mix the fresh apple cider, cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, and cranberry juice. This forms your cider mixture, the base of your cider recipe.
- Sweeten and Spice: Add the brown sugar and warm spices like a pinch of ground nutmeg to your cider mixture if you’re using it.
- Heat: Place your pot on the stove and turn the heat to medium heat. You’re aiming for a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil. You can also use a slow cooker at medium heat to let and just let it simmer all day.
- Simmer: Allow the cider mixture to simmer for 20-30 minutes. This cooking time allows the flavors to meld perfectly, making it the perfect winter hot drink.
- Taste and Adjust: Give the hot cider a taste after simmering. If you’d like a sweeter cider, you can add a little more sugar or apple juice.
- Optional Alcohol: For a spiked apple cider, stir rum or brandy it into the pot a couple of minutes before you’re done simmering.
- Strain and Serve: Use a ladle and a piece of cheesecloth or a strainer to pour the hot cider into mugs, filtering out the spices and lemon slices.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish each mug with a cinnamon stick, fresh cranberries, or an orange slice for extra flair. Your mulled cider is now ready to be enjoyed!
So, there you have it—a simple yet delicious cider recipe that turns fresh cider into a perfect winter hot drink. Whether hosting holiday parties or seeking a cozy drink to enjoy in solitude, this mulled cider will hit the spot. Its warm spices and citrus blend make it ideal for any festive occasion. And the best part? This cider pairs beautifully with a variety of seasonal dishes, making it a versatile choice for all your fall festivities.
