Mulled Cider

This Mulled Cider recipe is easy to make with hot apple cider and mulling spices. It’s the perfect drink to warm up with on a cold day and it makes the house smell amazing!

Although I love coffee drinks, it is great to have another option to offer family and friends during the holidays. Mulled cider is a favorite of everyone from young to old.

The mulling spices used for making mulled cider are simple: cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and whole allspice berries!

Here’s an easy gift idea: Put the mulled cider spices in a glass spice jar and add a printed label. Give the jar along with some cute mugs and a printed copy of the recipe. You can even include an apple, an orange, and a jug of apple cider!

Thinly slice an apple and an orange removing any seeds you find inside.

Put the apple cider, brown sugar, apple slices, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and whole allspice berries in a large pot. Stir to combine.

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Yes, you can use apple juice instead of apple cider in this recipe. But check the ingredients on the bottle and if sugar is added to your apple juice you may want to skip adding the brown sugar in this recipe.

What is the difference between apple cider and apple juice?

Apple cider is made by mashing whole apples and pressing out the juice. It is flavor is more tart and the appearance is cloudier.

Apple juice on the other hand is mashed, filtered, strained, and cooked. Some brands also have sugar added to it. It is often sweeter in taste and clearer in appearance.

In America, apple cider, like the cider used in this recipe, is non-alcoholic. What we call “hard cider” here in America is referred to as “cider” in other countries. It’s an important distinction!

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Once the hot apple cider is warm, it is ready to drink, but if you let it simmer for longer, it will be more flavorful. Turn the heat to low and simmer for 30-60 minutes.

Can I make this mulled cider in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this mulled cider recipe in a slow cooker instead of on the stovetop. It’s a great option for parties and potlucks. Put all of the ingredients in a crockpot and stir to combine. Add a cover and cook on low until heated.

The hot mulled cider looks really pretty when served in insulated glass mugs with a thin slice of apple and a cinnamon stick for garnish!

Caribou Coffee used to have a drink called a Hot Apple Blast that was hot apple cider with caramel and whipped cream (find my recipe here). You can make your own version by topping a mug of mulled cider with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel syrup (find my recipe here). If you love sweet drinks, add a tablespoon of the caramel syrup to the hot apple cider.

Can mulled cider be served chilled?

Yes, you can serve chilled mulled cider! After simmering the hot apple cider and mulling spices, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool. Strain the cider into a pitcher and store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

My favorite way to drink chilled mulled cider is to make sparkling apple cider. Fill a cup about 1/4 of the way with chilled cider and fill the rest of the cup with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda.

Want more drink recipes? Try these next:

This Cranberry Orange Holiday Punch recipe is delicious and refreshing. It’s a holiday beverage everyone can enjoy at your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner!

Make these Sherbet Punch Recipes for every party and holiday dinner! Choose from strawberry, orange, lemon, and lime punch or make all four for a variety.

Creamy Pumpkin Spice Whipped Coffee is perfect for fall. It’s ready in minutes and can be enjoyed iced or hot!

Sparkling Pomegranate Lime Holiday Punch is a pretty family-friendly drink that’s perfect for holiday celebrations & parties from Thanksgiving to Christmas!