Mulled Apple Cider Recipe

This Mulled Apple Cider is a warm and spiced recipe, which is made with apple cider and cinnamon sticks. It’s the perfect drink for a chilly evening, ready in about 40 minutes.

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Mulled Apple Cider Ingredients

4 whole cinnamon sticks
1/8 tsp. ground cloves
8 whole allspice berries
orange peel from 1 orange
lemon peel from 1 lemon
1/2 cup maple syrup
6 cups apple cider or freshly squeezed apple juice
apple slices and orange twists, to serve
1/2 cup dark rum, optional

How To Make Mulled Apple Cider

Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, place the cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, allspice berries, orange peel, and lemon peel.
Add liquids and heat: Pour in the maple syrup and apple cider. Bring the mixture almost to a boil over medium-high heat.
Simmer and serve: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the cider simmer gently for 30 minutes to allow the spices to infuse. To serve, remove from the heat and ladle into mugs. Garnish with fresh apple slices and orange twists. For an adults-only version, add a splash of dark rum to each mug.

Recipe Tips

How to get the best flavor? Use fresh, high-quality apple cider (not from concentrate) for the best and most authentic apple flavor. Also, using whole spices and fresh citrus peel will provide a much better flavor than ground versions.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Absolutely. This is a perfect slow cooker recipe for parties. Simply combine all the ingredients, stir, and heat on low for 2-3 hours. This will keep it warm for guests to serve themselves.
How to add other spices? A few whole star anise or some fresh, thinly sliced ginger would be delicious additions. Add them at the beginning with the other spices.
Can I use a different sweetener? Yes, you can substitute the maple syrup with an equal amount of brown sugar or honey. Adjust the amount to your desired level of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions for Mulled Apple Cider

This warm and festive drink is a perfect welcome for guests during the fall and winter. It’s wonderful for:

Holiday parties and Christmas gatherings
Bonfire nights or hayrides
A cozy evening by the fireplace
Thanksgiving dinner

How To Store Mulled Apple Cider

Refrigerate: Let the cider cool completely. Strain out the whole spices and peels, then store the mulled cider in an airtight container or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Mulled Apple Cider Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 180 kcal
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 0.5g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this non-alcoholic?

Yes, the recipe is naturally non-alcoholic. The rum is listed as an optional addition at the end for an adult beverage.

What’s the difference between apple cider and apple juice?

In the US, apple cider is typically unfiltered, raw apple juice that is more opaque and has a more robust apple flavor. Apple juice is filtered and pasteurized, making it clear and often sweeter. Either will work, but cider is recommended for a more traditional flavor.

Do I have to use whole spices?

Whole spices like cinnamon sticks and allspice berries are best because they infuse their flavor slowly without making the cider cloudy. If you only have ground spices, you can use them, but the cider may have a slightly gritty texture.

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