Hot Mulled Apple Cider
One of the best things about a mulled cider recipe is how flexible it is. You can tweak the spices to your liking, add a touch of orange peel for brightness, or even throw in a few star anise for a slightly exotic note.
Equipment
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Citrus zester or knife
- Ladle
- Mug or heatproof cups
Ingredients
For the Mulled Apple Cider:
- 1 gallon 16 cups fresh apple cider
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 3 star anise
- 1 orange sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar optional, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon allspice
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1-2 slices fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup maple syrup for extra sweetness
- Apple slices for garnish
Instructions
Prepare Your Spices and Citrus
- Gather your cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and nutmeg.
- Slice your orange into rounds or half-moons.
- Pro Tip: If you want a stronger citrus flavor, lightly zest the orange before adding the slices—it gives the cider a bright, fragrant kick.
Combine Cider and Spices
- Pour the apple cider into a large stockpot or Dutch oven.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Stir in brown sugar (if using) to dissolve evenly.
Heat the Cider
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture just to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
- Pro Tip: Keep the heat low—don’t let it boil. Boiling can make the spices taste bitter and overwhelm the natural sweetness of the cider.
Infuse the Flavors
- Let the cider simmer gently for 20–30 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to keep the flavors melding together.
- Pro Tip: For a deeper spice flavor, you can simmer up to 45 minutes. The longer it sits, the richer it becomes.
Add Optional Ingredients
- If you’re using fresh ginger, maple syrup, or extra citrus, add them in the last 10 minutes of simmering.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Strain and Serve
- Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove the spices and orange slices before serving.
- Ladle the hot mulled apple cider into mugs.
- Garnish with fresh apple slices or a cinnamon stick if you like.
Enjoy!
- Sip slowly and savor the cozy, spiced aroma.
- Perfect for chilly evenings, holiday gatherings, or any time you need a warm hug in a mug.
Notes
Nutritional Value (per 1 cup serving, approximate)
- Calories: ~120–150
- Carbohydrates: 30–35g
- Sugars: 28–32g
- Fiber: 1–2g
- Vitamin C: ~6–8% DV