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 you 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.

How much mulling spices for a gallon of cider? ›

ingredients
  1. 1 gallon apple cider.
  2. 2 tablespoons whole allspice.
  3. 2 tablespoons whole cloves.
  4. 5 -6 cinnamon sticks.
  5. orange slice.
  6. additional cinnamon stick (optional)

What alcohol goes well in apple cider? ›

Dark liquors like bourbon (my pick) or dark rum are traditional, but they are by no means the only option. Vodka pairs well with apple cider and is a good light option. You can even let guests each pick their own.

Which cider is best for mulled cider? ›

Full-bodied, dry and cloudy ciders that thins out when heated, are often a popular choice to mull. A sweet cider with a strong apple flavour is preferable, but it's also important that there's a hint of acidity to cut through the syrupy richness that too sweet a cider can result in.

Is hot apple cider good for you? ›

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.

How much alcohol is in apple cider? ›

The addition of sugar or extra fruit before a second fermentation increases the ethanol content of the resulting beverage. Cider alcohol content varies from 1.2% to 8.5% ABV or more in traditional English ciders, and 3.5% to 12% in continental ciders.

How many apples do you need to make 1 gallon of cider? ›

How many apples does it take to make a gallon of cider? - It will take just a little over a peck or 36-42 medium apples to make just one gallon of cider.

Why is my mulled cider bitter? ›

Between day 9 and 12 of active fermentation the cider loses all apple flavor and becomes bitter.

What is mulling spices made of? ›

The combination of spices varies, but it usually consists of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg, and less frequently star anise, peppercorn, or cardamom. It also usually includes dried fruit, such as raisins, apples, or orange rind. Mulling spices can be bought prepackaged.

What should I mix with apple cider? ›

Apples and bourbon are a match made in heaven and this fruity co*cktail takes things a step further by doubling down on apple flavor. The combination of tangy apple cider, sweet apple brandy, and cinnamon syrup creates a warming, autumnal bourbon co*cktail that has the aroma of fresh apple pie.

What can I add to cider to make it taste better? ›

Mulling spices

Combine classic warming spices like clove, allspice and cinnamon in your cider for an especially autumnal treat.

Can regular apple cider turn into alcohol? ›

Fresh apple cider doesn't contain alcohol. It's possible for unpasteurized cider to ferment over time and become alcoholic, creating hard apple cider. If you don't want your cider to become alcoholic, then it's best to drink it within two weeks of making it.

Does mulled cider go bad? ›

It is not harmful. So, does apple cider go bad? Technically no, but the cider will slowly transform into a more acidic-tasting beverage. Yes, a science lesson was needed to understand the expiration timeline of your favorite fall drink.

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 do you eat with mulled cider? ›

Hot Spiked Cider Pairings
  • Apple Pie or Apple Crisp. ...
  • Cheddar Cheese and Crackers. ...
  • Cinnamon-Sugar Donuts. ...
  • Sausage and Sage Stuffing. ...
  • Pumpkin or Butternut Squash Soup. ...
  • Caramel Popcorn. ...
  • Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. ...
  • Spiced Nuts.

What does warm apple cider do? ›

It has been known to moderate blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol and has even been known to relieve some of the symptoms of acid reflux. Nice! But aside from being good for you, it just happens to make a mean mug of hot apple cider when mixed with just a few common pantry ingredients!

Is apple cider just warm apple juice? ›

Essentially apple juice is apple cider that has been heated to change the color, flavor, and texture. The color is transparent, and the flavor is sweeter. Apple juice has a smooth texture because it's usually strained to eliminate pulp and sediment found in more traditional apple cider.

Should you microwave apple cider? ›

Combine apple cider and spices and sugar in a heat resistant mug that can go into the microwave. Heat, uncovered, in microwave 2 minutes. Let stand until cool enough to drink. Remove spices if you don't want them floating in your cup while drinking cider, and remove spices if serving to a child.

Does heating cider make it less alcoholic? ›

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.

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