Last Updated on December 24, 2022
There is no better time of year to enjoy this Mulled Apple Cider than during the brisk fall and winter months.
A simple apple cider drink that is slowly simmered with citrus, berries and the warming spices that remind us of the holidays.
Not only will it warm you on the inside but also on the outside.
I love to cozy up in a big soft warm sweater, covered with a fluffy blanket, enjoying this cider on those chilly nights while watching TV.
And because it’s a popular cold weather beverage, it is a perfect way to also welcome your holiday guests during the holidays.
What I love most about this beverage is how easy it is to make with little prep time.
In my recipe, I do not add any sugar, I feel the fruit and apple cider have enough sweetness for me, but you can add maple syrup for extra sweetness.
There are two ways that you can make this mulled apple cider, on the stove or in a crock pot.
Personally I love the crock pot, just throw everything in the crock pot and let it simmer for a few hours.
This cider is so flavorful and a simple hot beverage that everyone will enjoy!
What are some of my favorite treats to enjoy with this cider?
What ingredients are in the Cider
- Apple Juice or Cider – In this recipe you can use apple juice or cider. Try to use cider for the best results, but if you are not able to find it use unsweetened apple juice.
- Spices – The spices I used in this cider are cinnamon sticks, ground nutmeg, whole cloves and star anise. This can be customized to your own taste such as ginger, peppercorn, allspice, berries, or cardamom.
- Orange Juice – The orange juice balances and adds a touch more citrus to the cider.
- Fresh Fruits and Berries – The fruits and berries I like to add to this mulled cider are sliced lemon, oranges, apple and cranberries. Not only do all these add sweetness but also color and texture to the cider.
- Optional
- Real Maple Syrup – In this recipe I do not add any extra sugar or syrup. If you need a little extra sweetness, add a little maple syrup.
- Alcohol – There are a few different alcohols to spike your mulled apple cider, such as rum, whiskey, bourbon or brandy.
How to make a Mulled Apple Cider
Stove top
In a large sauce pan add the cider, orange juice, maple syrup (If needed), and spices.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer (low heat) for 45 minutes.
While the cider is cooking, clean the cranberries and set aside.
Clean and slice the orange, lemon and apple, set aside.
After 45 minutes, add the sliced fruit and berries, turn off the heat and cover.
Let the cider sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Ladle the cider into mugs and serve warm.
Slow Cooker
Pour the cider, orange juice, maple syrup (if needed), fruits, berries, and spices into a medium sized slow cooker.
Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 3 to 4 hours.
Ladle the cider into mugs and serve.
Mulled Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Apple Cider or Unsweetened Apple Juice
- 1 Cup Orange Juice
- 3 Whole Cloves
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 1 Pinch Ground Nutmeg
- 2 Anise Stars
- 1/2 Cup Fresh Cranberries
- 1 Apple
- 1 Orange
Optional ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Real Maple Syrup This can be more or less to taste.
- Rum, Whiskey, Bourbon or Brandy Have this option available on the side, the alcohol does burn off if left on the heat.
Instructions
Stove Top
- In a large sauce pan add the cider, orange juice, maple syrup (If needed), and spices.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer (low heat) for 45 minutes.
- While the cider is cooking, clean the cranberries and set aside.
- Clean and slice the orange, lemon and apple, set aside.
- After 45 minutes, add the sliced fruit and berries, turn off the heat and cover.
- Let the cider sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Ladle the cider into mugs and serve warm.
Slow Cooker
- Pour the cider, orange juice, maple syrup (if needed), fruits, berries, and spices into a medium sized slow cooker.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 3 to 4 hours.
- Ladle the cider into mugs and serve.
