Mulled Apple Cider is a cozy warm beverage for chilly nights. Make it in the slow cooker, on the stove or in your instant pot. Can be served non-alcoholic or spiked with your favorite spirit.
Right up there with my other favorite warm drinks like the Hot Toddy and Mulled Wine is this Hot Mulled Cider. Give me a cozy sweater (with sleeves just a tad too long), a warm blanket and a mug of this and I’m a happy girl when Fall rolls around.
What Does Mulled Cider Mean?
- Mulled cider is a sweet cider that has been heated with spices and citrus fruits.
I like to use fresh apple cider or unfiltered apple juice for this recipe (look for it in the produce section).
The mulling spices that I’m using are cinnamon, star anise and allspice berries. Other spice options include cardamom pods, cloves and nutmeg.
This recipe is great for parties since it serves a crowd and can be left to simmer on the stove (or make it in the crockpot). It also makes your house smell amazing. It’s the perfect warm drink for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. It’s also great for tailgating.
How to Make Mulled Cider:
You can make this apple cider recipe on the stove, in the slow cooker or in the Instant Pot.
- Stovetop Method: Add ingredients to a large saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and continue to simmer for 45 minutes – 1 hour.
- Slow Cooker Method: Add ingredients to a crockpot and cook on LOW for 3 hours.
- Instant Pot Method: Add to a pressure cooker and cook on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes. Let pressure release naturally then serve.
Does Mulled Cider Have Alcohol?
- Mulled cider can be served with or without alcohol. It is delicious on its own, but you can also spike it with your favorite spirit.
Best Booze for Spiked Cider:
- Apple Brandy
- Rum
- Bourbon
- Cognac
When adding alcohol, add it at the end so that it doesn’t cook off. You can either add ½ cup of booze to the finished recipe, or you can leave out the alcohol so that your guests can choose to have a non-alcoholic mulled cider or spiked mulled cider.
How Long Can You Keep Mulled Cider?
- Spiced cider will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Can Mulled Cider be Reheated?
- Yes. Simply reheat on the stove on low heat without bringing to a boil.
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Fall Cocktail Recipes:
What to Serve with Mulled Cider:
- Apple Roses Tartlets with Salted Caramel
- Butterscotch Bourbon Budino with Salted Caramel
- Apple Galette with Cardamom
- Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat)
- Creme Brulee with Cardamom Roasted Blackberries
Hot Mulled Cider Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 orange (rind only)
- 6 cinnamon sticks
- 3 star anise
- 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon allspice berries
- 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
For serving (optional):
- Orange Slices
- Cranberries
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Apple Slices
- ½ cup Brandy (Bourbon or Rum)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and continue to simmer for 45 minutes - 1 hour.
- If desired, stir in brandy, bourbon or rum. Garnish and serve.
Notes
- Slow Cooker Method: Add ingredients to a crockpot and cook on LOW for 3 hours.
- Instant Pot Method: Add to a pressure cooker and cook on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes. Let pressure release naturally then serve.
Nutrition