Mulled Apple Cider (Easy Recipe) (2024)

Published: Updated: By: Melissa Oleary

Jump to Recipe

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

5 comments

5 from 26 votes

This hot apple cider with warm Fall spices will warm you up on even the coldest days. This mulled apple cider is so easy to make and the mulling spices ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. You will want to cozy up to this warm drink anytime the temperature drops!

Mulled Apple Cider (Easy Recipe) (1)

This recipe for hot apple cider is what I learned to make when I lived in New England and it is a favorite recipe we continue to make today.

This easy warm apple drink is a symbol of all the flavors of fall. It is full of warm fall spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg and is so comforting.

Much like my apple cider martini, spiced pear martini, pumpkin creme brulee, eggnog, or pumpkin cake, it has all the delicious warm Fall spices I love. When it is just me and I want another Fall treat to go with this, I make my mini pumpkin custards 🙂

Enjoy this cider anyone you like!

Mulled Apple Cider Ingredients

  • Apple Cider: Apple cider is different than apple juice. Make sure to look for cider.

Mulling Spice Recipe

  • cinnamon sticks. You cannot have this mulled cider without cinnamon.
  • whole cloves. This adds such warmth to the mulled cider.
  • orange peel. I like this in mulled cider. You can leave it out if you do not.
  • star anise. Not only is it pretty but this spice adds such a warming Fall note.
  • and any of your favorite Fall spices! Make this your own by adding in your favorite Fall spices.

How to make mulled apple cider

Making this is so easy. It is just adding things into a pot. Here are the steps.

  • Buying your cold apple cider

The steps to making this are so easy. You are going to start out with store-bought apple cider (not apple juice).

You will start to see apple cider in your grocery stores around the start of the Fall season. If you have extra cider leftover from this recipe, you can make apple cider oatmeal with it so there is no waste!

  • Warming apple cider

Next, you are going to pour your cider into a large pot over the stove. You can use your slow cooker as well.

  • Adding mulling spices to your cider

Here you are going to add your Fall spices to the pot. You will want to use whole spices and not powdered.

This is the flavor in your mulled apple cider. After you add those spices you just cook it on low over your stovetop for about an hour and that is it!

An added bonus is your home is that the apple and cinnamon scent fills your home with its beautiful aroma. Once the temps drop, this is the drink you need to make!

Mulled Apple Cider (Easy Recipe) (2)

These are my favorite spices that are in the mulled cider recipe but you can definitely adjust this to suit your preference. This is your drink!

You can make your own version of this mulling spice recipe by adding or taking away some of the ingredients.

Tips

Mulled cider in the slow cooker

You can make this in the slow cooker and it comes out great. Just set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 1-2 hours. Make sure to check it periodically to be sure it is not evaporating too much.

Can I use powdered spices if I do not have whole spices?

No. You want to be able to serve this drink without any bits in it. By using whole spices you can remove them before serving or at least scoop some cider without it getting into your drink.

Whether you enjoy the mulled cider as is or as apple cider with rum, it will be a hit at any time. Just follow the steps below in the recipe and you will be on your way to a delicious Fall drink that you will want to make year after year.

Make a day of Fall fun with this warm mulled apple cider and bake up some spiced cardamom shortbread, pumpkin cake, pear frangipane tart, fruit and nut cookies, or Fall shortbread cookies to add to the Fall theme.

More like this

If you love this mulled cider recipe, you may also like these:

  • Easy Boozy Baileys Milkshake
  • Easy Eggnog Recipe (Without Alcohol)
  • Easy Homemade Marshmallows

More Fall Recipes

  • Pan Fried Gnocchi with Kale and Parmesan Cream
  • Pasta alla Genovese (Beef and Onion Genovese Sauce)
  • One Pot Sausage Tortellini Soup
  • Roasted Acorn Squash Soup With Carrots

Mulled Apple Cider (Easy Recipe) (10)

Print Recipe

5 from 26 votes

Mulled Apple Cider (Easy Recipe)

A warming Fall or Winter drink with tons of warm flavors.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time35 minutes mins

Servings: 8 people

Author: Melissa Oleary

Ingredients

  • 1 gallon store bought apple cider not apple juice. You can usually find apple cider in the produce section of your grocery store in the Fall.
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 tablespoon whole cloves or to taste
  • 1 orange peeled I just peel an orange and eat the inside and use the peel. Just make sure you use the peel right away while the oils in the orange skin are still fresh.
  • 1 star anise whole you can substitute all spice berries for this
  • 1 piece of cheese cloth You can omit this but just make sure to skim the spices out at the end before serving

Instructions

  • In a large stock pot add all of your apple cider and turn the heat to medium.

    1 gallon store bought apple cider

  • Take your cheesecloth if using and wrap all of your spices (except orange peels) in it and tie it closed with some kitchen twine. If you do not have these things then just make sure you skim the spices out of the cider at the end of mulling.

    2 cinnamon sticks, 2 tablespoon whole cloves, 1 star anise whole, 1 piece of cheese cloth

  • Now add your spices and orange peel to your pot of cider

    1 orange peeled

  • Once your cider starts to show steam coming off the top, turn heat to low and simmer for at least 30 minutes. I like to keep it on the stove for a few hours to scent up the house but you will loose some of the cider with evaporation.

  • Once your cider has been cooking for 30 minutes or so, ladle out into mugs, and enjoy.

Notes

Mulled cider in the slow cooker

You can make this mulled apple cider in the slow cooker and it comes out great. Just set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 1-2 hours. Make sure to check it periodically to be sure it is not evaporating too much.

Alcohol that goes with mulled cider

If you are looking to make a mulled cider with alcohol all you need to do is add the alcohol to the cider at the time of serving. Here are some suggestions below.

  • Add rum for an apple cider with rum co*cktail (1 shot of rum for 8 ounces of cider)
  • Whiskey or bourbon goes really well for an apple bourbon co*cktail (1 shot of Bourbon or Whiskey for 8 ounces of cider)
  • A favorite of mine would be to add alcoholic ginger beer to my mulled cider. I do half mulled cider (cooled) to half ginger beer. The flavors are amazing!

Nutrition

Calories: 222kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 21mg | Potassium: 491mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 46g | Vitamin A: 9IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition Values are estimates only.

See full nutrition disclaimer here

Tried the Recipe? We Would Love To Hear From You In The Comments Below!

Course :Drinks

Mulled Apple Cider (Easy Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

Can I just heat up apple cider? ›

1. Combine apple juice or apple cider with cloves and cinnamon in a microwaveable mug, cup or glass. 2. Heat in the microwave oven, uncovered, for 2 to 3 minutes.

What is mulled cider made of? ›

Mulled apple cider is unfiltered apple juice that's been heated and flavored with mulling spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and allspice; and fruits like oranges, lemons, and apples. I'll also add a little dark rum if it's just us grown ups enjoying a round of apple cider co*cktails!

Is Mulled apple cider good for you? ›

Is mulled apple cider good for you? Mulled apple cider contains nutrients found in apples, including antioxidants like polyphenols. Antioxidants help protect against oxidative stress to keep cells healthy. Apples are also rich in quercetin, pectin, vitamin C, vitamin E and fiber.

What's the difference between mulled wine and mulled cider? ›

Some people may call Hot Mulled Cider “Mocked Mulled Wine” since it's an alcohol-free version of Mulled Wine. Mulled Wine is a hot red wine (use an entire bottle) that is infused with Mulling Spices. Typically, it includes orange and/or apples, sugar or honey, and liquors such as brandy, cognac, rum, and vodka.

What does warm apple cider do to your body? ›

Apple cider contains polyphenols, which are compounds in plants that act as antioxidants. They can help the body to fight against free radicals and cell damage, lowering your risk of certain types of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Polyphenols also help to ease inflammation in the body.

What does boiling apple cider do? ›

Why It Works. This recipe is a classic reduction, an ideal way to concentrate the sweetness and tang of a well-balanced cider. Boiled cider syrup can be used to add depth to barbecue or baked beans and as a glaze for an apple cake or homemade apple fritters.

Why is my mulled cider bitter? ›

Alcohol (some honey varieties, some fruits, and some adjuncts) can add bitterness. Bitterness balances sweetness. Low sweetness in the presence of higher alcohol will make the cider seem bitter. High sweetness and low alcohol will make the cider seem cloying.

Does alcohol burn off in mulled cider? ›

But fear not, hot cider, hot toddy, and mulled wine lovers: Around 85 percent of your beloved alcohol will survive the heating process. The U.S. Department of Agriculture did a study in 2007 that nailed down the numbers with the magic of the scientific method.

How long will mulled cider keep? ›

Storage: Mulled cider can be refrigerated for up to a week. Just bring it to a simmer before serving. Garnish: Orange wheels, a curled orange peel, thin apple slices, a cinnamon stick, or nothing at all.

What are the disadvantages of apple cider? ›

Although small amounts are generally fine and healthy, consuming too much can be harmful and even dangerous.
  • Delayed stomach emptying. ...
  • Digestive side effects. ...
  • Low potassium levels and bone loss. ...
  • Erosion of tooth enamel. ...
  • Throat burns. ...
  • Skin burns. ...
  • Drug interactions.

What do you eat with mulled cider? ›

The Ultimate Food & Cider Pairing Guide
  • Squeeze. Tomato Based Dishes, Spinach Salad. ...
  • Raspberry. Sweets, Chocolates. ...
  • Berries. Soft Cheese, Crackers. ...
  • Caramel Apple. Apple Slices, Ice Cream. ...
  • Cranberry Orange. Grilled Meat, Pecan Pie. ...
  • Original. Nuts, Sharp Cheese, Grilled Brats. ...
  • Porch Sittin' Cinnamon. Donuts, Pear Slices.
Aug 5, 2022

How much alcohol is in mulled cider? ›

Mulled Cider, ABV 6.5% before heating! Our Mulled Cider is a mix of cider, sugar and spices and should be served piping hot. Some may wish to sweeten it further to taste. Chase away those winter sniffs and snuffles.

What is the best cider for mulled cider? ›

A strong apple flavour is a must, and the sweeter the apple, the better! With more sugar, the cider will be better-balanced and richer once you add the spices. Organic ciders are not made with apple concentrate or additives and therefore the flavours are intense and balanced.

What wines are best for mulled cider? ›

Choose the Right Varietal.

The best wine for mulled wine is dry and full-bodied, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Zinfandel, or Syrah. These will stand up to the other flavors and ensure the spiced wine won't be too sweet.

What is another name for mulled cider? ›

Wassail (/ˈwɒsəl/, /-eɪl/ WOSS-əl, -⁠ayl, most likely from Old Norse "ves heill") is a beverage made from hot mulled cider, ale, or wine and spices, drunk traditionally as an integral part of wassailing, an ancient English Yuletide drinking ritual and salutation either involved in door-to-door charity-giving or used to ...

Does apple cider go bad if it gets warm? ›

To ensure your cider remains fresh and enjoyable, consider these storage tips: Temperature Control: Store the drink in a cool, dark place. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can affect its taste and longevity. Upright Storage: Keep the bottles upright to minimize oxidation and contamination from the cork.

Is cider just warm apple juice? ›

Fresh cider is raw apple juice that has not undergone a filtration process to remove coarse particles of pulp or sediment. Apple juice is juice that has been cooked and filtered to remove solids, and pasteurized so that it will stay fresh longer.

Can you heat up Martinelli's cider? ›

Instructions. Add spices to cider and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let stand for an hour or more. When ready to serve, reheat and remove the whole spices (may also be served chilled).

Can you heat up unpasteurized apple cider? ›

coli 0157:H7. Fresh cider is typically not pasteurized, but recent data has shown that heating cider for only 6 seconds at 160°F eliminates E. coli contamination.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kerri Lueilwitz

Last Updated:

Views: 6318

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kerri Lueilwitz

Birthday: 1992-10-31

Address: Suite 878 3699 Chantelle Roads, Colebury, NC 68599

Phone: +6111989609516

Job: Chief Farming Manager

Hobby: Mycology, Stone skipping, Dowsing, Whittling, Taxidermy, Sand art, Roller skating

Introduction: My name is Kerri Lueilwitz, I am a courageous, gentle, quaint, thankful, outstanding, brave, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.