Craving a comforting cup of mulled cider? Pull out your crockpot or use the stove to make this warmly spiced apple cider. Cozy spices are perfect for cold weather—this hot spiced cider is calling your name.
Spiced apple cider is simply fresh apple cider simmered with ginger, cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, and a touch of nutmeg and citrus. Cook it slowly in a large saucepan or a slow cooker to let the flavors meld into a fragrant, warming drink.
Table of contents
- 🍎 Why This Recipe Works Well
- 🍵Main Ingredients
- ☕ How To Make
- 🍏 Expert Tips
- Making Ahead of Time
- 🥃 Recipe FAQs And Tips
This homemade apple cider is loaded with warm spices for a rich, comforting cup. It only takes a few minutes to prepare and 3–4 hours to simmer for a deep, spiced flavor.
🍎 Why This Recipe Works Well
- Easy: toss everything into a crockpot and let it simmer while you relax or entertain.
- Flexible: adjust spices to taste or increase quantities for larger gatherings.
- Versatile: serve hot for cozy nights or chill it for a refreshing cold drink.
- Optional adult version: add a splash of bourbon or vodka to individual cups for a mulled cider cocktail.
🍵Main Ingredients
Apple Cider | Use fresh store-bought cider or make your own for the best flavor.
Mulled Spices | Cinnamon sticks, star anise, fresh grated ginger, whole cloves, and a bit of nutmeg create the classic warm profile.
Oranges | Sliced orange adds bright citrus notes that balance the spices and sweetness.
☕ How To Make
Begin by pouring the apple cider into your crockpot or a large pot on the stove. Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, fresh grated ginger, and sliced orange.
If using a crockpot: cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours to let the spices infuse the cider. If using the stovetop: bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
When the cider is fragrant and deeply flavored, strain it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove whole spices and fruit peel. Pour into mugs and garnish with fresh apple slices, orange rounds, or a cinnamon stick for presentation.
🍏 Expert Tips
Double it | Use a larger slow cooker or pot to double the recipe for parties.
Stovetop option | Use a large pot, bring to a boil, then simmer gently to avoid scorching; stir occasionally.
Add-ins | A splash of cranberry or orange juice rounds out the flavor and makes a wassail-style drink.
Alcohol | Add bourbon or vodka to individual cups to make a warm cocktail; adding alcohol only to served portions preserves the leftover cider.
Making Ahead of Time
This mulled cider stores well. Make it a day ahead, strain out the spices, and refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently before serving or serve chilled over ice for a cold version.
🥃 Recipe FAQs And Tips
Mulling cider means warming it with spices and citrus so the flavors infuse the drink, creating a spiced, aromatic beverage.
Stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container, mulled cider will keep well for up to three days. Stir or shake before serving.
Bourbon and vodka are both excellent with apple cider. Add a shot to individual servings to taste.
Yes—mulled cider can be served hot or cold. For a chilled version, add ice and consider a splash of ginger ale or a dollop of whipped cream for a fun twist.
Here Are More Delicious Fall Drink Recipes
- Cinnamon Spice Moscow Mule
- Apple Pie Vodka
- Pumpkin Spice Dalgona Coffee
- Instant Pot Pumpkin Spice Creamer
- Whipped Gingerbread Latte
Mulled Cider
Ingredients
- 8 cups fresh apple cider
- 1 1/2 ” fresh ginger peeled and sliced
- 1 orange sliced
- 6 cinnamon sticks
- 1 Tablespoon whole cloves
- 5 star anise
- 2 whole nutmeg optional
Instructions
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Pour the apple cider into the crockpot or a large pot on the stove.
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Add cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, fresh ginger, star anise, cloves, and the sliced orange.
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Cover and cook on low in the crockpot for 3–4 hours. For stovetop, bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
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Strain out the spices using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
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Ladle into mugs and garnish with apple or orange slices and a cinnamon stick if desired.
Notes
- The cider is often sweet enough on its own; add 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey only if you prefer it sweeter.
- Store refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat gently or serve chilled over ice.
- Adjust spice amounts to taste—add more ginger for heat or more cinnamon for warmth.
- Double the recipe if you need extra for a crowd, making sure your pot or crockpot can hold the volume.
- To make alcoholic servings, add bourbon or vodka to individual cups rather than the whole batch.
- For a kid-friendly sparkling version, mix chilled mulled cider with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda.
Nutrition
