This easy recipe for 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 for guests of all ages or spiked with your favorite spirit for the holiday season.
Right up there with my other cozy drink recipes 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 cider or unfiltered apple juice for this recipe (look for it in the produce section or refrigerated section).
The mulling spices that I’m using are cinnamon, star anise pods and whole allspice berries. Other spice options include cardamom pods, black peppercorns, whole cloves and nutmeg. I also throw in some fresh cranberries and orange peel.
The cozy flavor can’t be beat on a cold day.
It’s especially magical when you pack a thermos to take along on your next sledding adventure.
This recipe is great for parties since it makes a big batch 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 It
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.
ℹ️ Recipe FAQs
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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🍴 What to Serve with It
- 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
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
🍁 More Fall Cocktail Recipes
- Cranberry Maple Bourbon Smash Cocktail
- Sparkling Ginger Pear Cocktails
- Apple Cider Cocktail
- Harvest Moon Applejack Cocktail
- Apple Cider Moscow Mule
- More → 40+ Whiskey Cocktails
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