When the air turns crisp and leaves crunch beneath your feet, nothing beats the aroma of spices and apples simmering on the stove. This mulled apple cider has become my go-to drink for fall gatherings and quiet evenings at home.
I first discovered this recipe during a fall festival where vendors were selling steaming cups of spiced cider.
The warm, fragrant blend was so inviting that I knew I had to recreate it in my own kitchen.
After experimenting with different spice combinations, I finally perfected this version that captures all the cozy flavors of autumn in one delicious cup.
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Why You’ll Love This Mulled Apple Cider Recipe
Making homemade mulled apple cider fills your entire home with the most incredible aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus. It’s like having the best fall candle, except you get to drink it!
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry
- Customizable heat level depending on your spice preferences
- Budget-friendly compared to coffee shop versions
- Naturally sweetened with no refined sugar needed
- Perfect for entertaining and can be made in large batches
- Kid-friendly with no alcohol required
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Ingredients For Mulled Apple Cider
This recipe uses fresh apple cider, warming spices, and citrus to create a perfectly balanced drink.
- 8 cups (1.9 liters) fresh apple cider
- 2 medium oranges, sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 4 whole star anise
- 1/4 teaspoon whole allspice berries
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (optional)
- 1 lemon, sliced
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Kitchen Equipment Needed
Having the right tools makes preparing this recipe much easier and more enjoyable.
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven (at least 4 quarts/3.8 liters)
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Ladle for serving
- Slow cooker (optional, for keeping warm)
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect batch of mulled apple cider every time.
1. Prepare Your Citrus Fruits
Wash the oranges and lemon thoroughly under cool running water to remove any wax or residue from the peels. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Using a sharp knife on a cutting board, slice the oranges and lemon into rounds about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick. You don’t need to remove the peels since they’ll add extra flavor and aroma to the cider.
2. Combine Ingredients in Your Pot
Pour the fresh apple cider into your large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add all the sliced oranges and lemon to the cider.
Drop in the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and allspice berries directly into the liquid. If you prefer easier cleanup, you can place all the whole spices in a spice bag or tie them in cheesecloth before adding them to the pot.
3. Heat the Cider Mixture
Place your pot over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Stir the mixture gently with a wooden spoon to distribute the spices evenly throughout the cider.
Bring the cider to a gentle boil, which should take about 10-15 minutes depending on your stove. Keep an eye on it to prevent it from boiling over.
4. Reduce Heat and Simmer
Once the cider reaches a boil, immediately reduce the heat to low. You want to maintain a very gentle simmer where you can see occasional bubbles breaking the surface.
Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes. This extended simmering time allows all the spices to fully infuse their flavors into the cider and creates that signature mulled aroma.
5. Taste and Adjust Sweetness
After simmering, taste your mulled cider carefully with a heat-resistant spoon. The natural sweetness of the apple cider combined with the spices should be perfect on its own.
If you prefer a sweeter drink, stir in the maple syrup one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired sweetness level. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes after adding any sweetener.
6. Strain and Serve
Turn off the heat and let the cider sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly. Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth-lined colander, strain out all the spices and citrus slices.
Ladle the hot mulled cider into heat-safe mugs or cups. Garnish each serving with a fresh cinnamon stick and an orange slice if desired for a beautiful presentation.
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Tips for Success
Getting the perfect mulled apple cider is easier when you keep these helpful tips in mind.
Choose quality apple cider: Fresh, unpasteurized cider from local farms or farmers markets has the best flavor. Look for cider that’s cloudy rather than clear, as it contains more apple solids and natural flavor.
Don’t skip the simmer time: While it’s tempting to rush the process, that 30-45 minute simmer is crucial for developing deep, complex flavors. The spices need time to fully release their essential oils into the liquid.
Control your heat carefully: Keep the cider at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. Boiling too vigorously can cause the cider to become bitter and lose some of its delicate flavors.
Use whole spices: Ground spices will make your cider cloudy and gritty. Whole spices infuse beautifully and are easy to strain out, leaving you with a clear, aromatic drink.
Adjust spice levels: If you find certain spices too strong, reduce them next time. Cloves especially can be overpowering, so start with fewer if you’re sensitive to their flavor.
Test before serving to guests: Make a test batch before your party to adjust the recipe to your taste preferences. Everyone’s spice tolerance is different.
Keep it warm throughout serving: Transfer to a slow cooker on the warm setting or return to low heat occasionally to maintain the perfect drinking temperature during gatherings.
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Serving Suggestions
This mulled apple cider pairs wonderfully with various fall treats and can be served in creative ways.
Transform this cozy beverage into a complete fall experience by pairing it with complementary foods and presentations.
- Serve alongside Air Fryer Cheddar Hash Browns for a hearty breakfast
- Pair with Easy Banana Bread or these Fall Bread for afternoon tea
- Offer with Deviled Eggs at brunch gatherings
- Present in mason jars with decorative twine for rustic charm
- Set up a toppings bar with whipped cream, extra cinnamon sticks, and caramel sauce
- Accompany holiday cookies like Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Read Also: Fall Muffin Recipes
Variations to Try
Experimenting with different flavor combinations keeps this classic drink exciting and new.
Spiced Rum Version: Add 1-2 ounces of dark rum or bourbon per serving for an adult beverage. This transforms it into a warming cocktail perfect for evening entertaining.
Cranberry Mulled Cider: Replace 2 cups of apple cider with unsweetened cranberry juice for a tart twist. Add a handful of fresh cranberries for visual appeal.
Ginger Spice Version: Add 4-5 slices of fresh ginger root for an extra warming kick. This variation is especially soothing during cold and flu season.
Chai-Spiced Cider: Include 2-3 cardamom pods and 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns for a chai-inspired flavor profile.
Apple Pie Cider: Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons brown sugar to create flavors reminiscent of apple pie.
Pumpkin Spice Version: Stir in 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice for a trendy seasonal twist.
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Storage and Reheating
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your mulled cider for days after making it.
- Refrigerator: Store strained mulled cider in an airtight glass container or pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, leaving 1 inch of headspace for expansion
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through
- Slow cooker method: Reheat in a slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours for parties
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Nutritional Facts
Per serving (1 cup/240 ml, recipe makes 8 servings):
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugars: 26g (naturally occurring)
- Protein: 0g
- Vitamin C: 15% DV
- Potassium: 240mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on the brand of apple cider used and optional additions like maple syrup.
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Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
The ingredients in mulled apple cider aren’t just delicious—they offer wonderful health benefits too.
Apple cider provides natural antioxidants called polyphenols that support heart health and may help reduce inflammation. It’s also rich in vitamin C and beneficial plant compounds.
- Cinnamon: Contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels
- Cloves: Rich in antioxidants and have antimicrobial properties that support immune health
- Star anise: Contains compounds that may help fight bacterial infections and support digestive health
- Oranges and lemons: Packed with vitamin C to boost immunity and support skin health
- Allspice: Contains compounds that may aid digestion and provide anti-inflammatory benefits
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FAQs
1. Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
While apple juice can work in a pinch, it won’t produce the same rich, complex flavor that fresh apple cider does.
Apple cider is unfiltered and contains more apple solids, giving it a fuller body and more authentic apple taste.
If you must use apple juice, choose one without added sugars and consider adding an extra cinnamon stick to boost the flavor.
2. How long can I keep mulled cider warm for a party?
You can safely keep mulled cider warm in a slow cooker on the low or warm setting for 4-6 hours during a party.
After this time, the flavors may become too concentrated and the cider might develop a slightly bitter taste.
For longer events, consider making batches and refreshing the slow cooker every few hours.
3. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker from start to finish?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours.
This method is incredibly convenient for parties since it keeps the cider at the perfect temperature throughout your event. Just remember to strain before serving.
4. Why does my mulled cider taste bitter?
Bitterness usually comes from boiling the cider too vigorously or for too long, which can extract bitter compounds from the spices and citrus peels. Always maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil.
Also, steeping time matters—more than 60 minutes can lead to over-extraction of bitter flavors from the spices.
5. Can I prepare mulled cider ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the mulled cider up to 2 days in advance, strain it, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
Some people even say the flavors improve after sitting for a day, as the spices have more time to meld together.
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Final Thoughts
This mulled apple cider recipe has become an absolute staple in my home during the cooler months. It brings such warmth and comfort that I find myself making batch after batch throughout fall and winter.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—you can adjust the spices to match your preferences, add a splash of spirits for grown-up gatherings, or keep it simple for family-friendly occasions.
I love that it makes my entire house smell like a cozy autumn day, even when the weather outside is dreary.
Give this recipe a try at your next gathering, or simply make a pot for yourself on a chilly evening. Once you experience how easy and delicious homemade mulled cider can be, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought versions.
The joy of wrapping your hands around a warm mug of spiced cider, inhaling those aromatic spices, and taking that first comforting sip is truly one of fall’s greatest pleasures.
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