Mulled Apple Cider (Easy Recipe) (2024)

Published: Updated: By: Melissa Oleary

Jump to Recipe

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

5 comments

5 from 26 votes

This hot mulled apple cider with warm Fall spices will warm you up on even the coldest days. This mulled cider is so easy to make and the mulling spices ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. You will want to cozy up to this warm drink anytime the temperature drops!

Mulled Apple Cider (Easy Recipe) (1)

This recipe for hot apple cider is what I learned to make when I lived in New England and it is a favorite recipe we continue to make today.

This easy warm apple drink is a symbol of all the flavors of fall. It is full of warm fall spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg and is so comforting.

Much like my apple cider martini, spiced pear martini, pumpkin creme brulee, eggnog, or pumpkin cake, it has all the delicious warm Fall spices I love. When it is just me and I want another Fall treat to go with this, I make my mini pumpkin custards 🙂

An added bonus when making this warm cider is your home will smell wonderful with the apple and cinnamon scent filling it with a beautiful aroma. Once the temps drop, this is the drink you need to make!

Enjoy this cider any way you like but just make sure to make it!

Table of contents

  • What you will need
  • How to make mulled apple cider
  • Tips
  • More Cozy Recipes
Mulled Apple Cider (Easy Recipe) (2)

What you will need

Cider

  • Apple Cider: Apple cider is different than apple juice. Make sure to look for cider.

Mulling Spice Recipe

  • Cinnamon sticks: Using whole cinnamon sticks makes it easier to remove after the mulling. This adds flavor to the cider.
  • Whole cloves. This adds such warmth to the mulled cider.
  • Orange peel: Just the peel which has the oil of the orange. I like this in mulled cider. You can leave it out if you do not.
  • Star anise. Not only is it pretty but this spice adds such a warming Fall note.
  • Any of your favorite Fall spices! Make this your own by adding in your favorite Fall spices.

How to make mulled apple cider

Making this is so easy. It is just adding the ingredients into a pot. Here are the steps (full recipe below):

  • Pour apple cider into a pot: Pour your cider into a large pot over the stove. You can use your slow cooker as well. Make sure you are using store-bought apple cider (not apple juice).
  • Adding mulling spices to your cider: Here you are going to add your Fall spices to the pot. You will want to use whole spices and not powdered.
  • Warm the apple cider: Cook it on low over your stovetop for about an hour and that is it!

Recipe Tip: You will start to see apple cider in your grocery stores (or at the apple orchards) around the start of the Fall season. If you have extra cider leftover from this recipe, you can make apple cider oatmeal with it so there is no waste!

Tips

  • Mulled cider in the slow cooker: You can make this in the slow cooker and it comes out great. Just set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 1-2 hours. Make sure to check it periodically to be sure it is not evaporating too much.
  • Do not use powdered spices: You want to be able to serve this drink without any bits in it. By using whole spices you can remove them before serving or at least scoop some cider without it getting into your drink.
  • Make it your own: These are my favorite spices that are in the mulled cider recipe but you can definitely adjust this to suit your preference. This is your drink!
  • Serve this warm or hot: If you have young kids, make sure to serve this cider warm and not hot.

More like this

If you love this mulled cider recipe, you may also like these:

  • Easy Boozy Baileys Milkshake
  • Easy Eggnog Recipe (Without Alcohol)
  • Easy Homemade Marshmallows
  • Homemade Apple Dumplings with Puff Pastry

More Cozy Recipes

If you love this mulled cider, you may also like these cozy Fall recipes:

  • Pan Fried Gnocchi with Kale and Parmesan Cream
  • Pasta alla Genovese (Beef and Onion Genovese Sauce)
  • One Pot Sausage Tortellini Soup
  • Roasted Acorn Squash And Carrot Soup With Pistou

📖 Recipe

Mulled Apple Cider (Easy Recipe) (11)

Print Recipe

5 from 26 votes

Mulled Apple Cider (Easy Recipe)

This hot mulled apple cider with warm Fall spices will warm you up on even the coldest days.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time35 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Author: Melissa Oleary

Ingredients

  • 1 gallon store bought apple cider not apple juice.
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 tablespoon whole cloves or to taste
  • 1 orange peel cut into strips
  • 1 star anise whole
  • 1 piece of cheese cloth You can omit this but just make sure to skim the spices out at the end before serving

Instructions

  • In a large stock pot add all of your apple cider and turn the heat to medium.

    1 gallon store bought apple cider

  • Take your cheesecloth if using and wrap all of your spices (except orange peels) in it and tie it closed with some kitchen twine. If you do not have these things then just make sure you skim the spices out of the cider at the end of mulling.

    2 cinnamon sticks, 2 tablespoon whole cloves, 1 star anise whole, 1 piece of cheese cloth

  • Now add your spices and orange peel to your pot of cider

    1 orange peel

  • Once your cider starts to show steam coming off the top, turn heat to low and simmer for at least 30 minutes. I like to keep it on the stove for a few hours to scent up the house but you will loose some of the cider with evaporation.

  • Once your cider has been cooking for 30 minutes or so, ladle out into mugs, and enjoy.

Notes

Mulled cider in the slow cooker

You can make this mulled apple cider in the slow cooker and it comes out great. Just set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 1-2 hours. Make sure to check it periodically to be sure it is not evaporating too much.

Alcohol that goes with mulled cider

If you are looking to make a mulled cider with alcohol all you need to do is add the alcohol to the cider at the time of serving. Whiskey and rum are great additions

    Nutrition

    Calories: 222kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 21mg | Potassium: 491mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 46g | Vitamin A: 9IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition Values are estimates only.

    See full nutrition disclaimer here

    Tried the Recipe? We Would Love To Hear From You In The Comments Below!

    Course :Drinks

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply

    1. Dina says

      Mulled Apple Cider (Easy Recipe) (16)
      Absolutely delicious! It tasted awesome and my whole house smells like a Fall candle:)

      Reply

      • Melissa says

        I am so glad you enjoyed it! There is nothing better than the smell of Fall in the house 🙂

        Reply

    2. Judy says

      Mulled Apple Cider (Easy Recipe) (17)
      Everyone loved it!

      Reply

      • Melissa says

        So glad to hear that!

        Reply

    Mulled Apple Cider (Easy Recipe) (2024)

    FAQs

    How to make cider simple? ›

    There are essentially 2 simple ways to make cider. One is to add campden tablets to the juice to remove any bad bacterial that may spoil the whole batch. Then 24 hours later, add cider yeast. The alternative way is to not add campden or yeast, and leave the juice to do its own thing.

    How many cinnamon sticks per gallon of apple cider? ›

    Per gallon of cider, I recommend using 4 cinnamon sticks and 1 teaspoon each of your chosen spices. Use whole ones, if you can—ground spices will give your cider an unpleasant gritty texture.

    What alcohol goes well in apple cider? ›

    Dark liquors like bourbon (my pick) or dark rum are traditional, but they are by no means the only option. Vodka pairs well with apple cider and is a good light option. You can even let guests each pick their own.

    Can I just heat up apple cider? ›

    Apple cider is a versatile beverage you can integrate into your menu in a variety of ways. While delicious cold, you can turn apple cider into a warming and comforting drink by heating it on the stove and adding a sprinkle of your favorite type of cinnamon.

    How to make alcoholic apple cider from scratch? ›

    3. Make Cider by Mixing Juice & Yeast
    1. Mix your juice, yeast, and sugar (adding sugar raises the ABV)
    2. Place the stopper and airlock into the bucket or carboy. Ferment for 10-14 days.
    3. Carbonate and bottle in your choice of beer bottle.
    4. Crack open a cold one and savor the moment!
    Sep 10, 2019

    How much cinnamon to add to cider? ›

    Ingredients
    1. 2-1/2 quarts apple cider or juice.
    2. 1/2 cup Red Hots.
    3. 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
    4. 2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)
    5. 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves.
    Jun 27, 2023

    What if I put too much cinnamon in my apple cider? ›

    Add acidity: Acidic ingredients like citrus juice or vinegar can help cut through the strong cinnamon flavor. If appropriate for your recipe, try adding a small amount of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar to counterbalance the excessive cinnamon.

    What does apple cider and cinnamon do? ›

    It has been known to moderate blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol and has even been known to relieve some of the symptoms of acid reflux.

    What to add to cider to make it taste better? ›

    Beyond Cinnamon: 5 Delicious Things to Add to Your Hot Apple...
    1. 5-Spice. My local spice shop makes a whole spice 5-spice blend which is perfect for hot cider. ...
    2. Chili. Float a dried chili de arbol or other spicy chili in your hot cider to add another layer of warmth. ...
    3. Citrus. ...
    4. Booze. ...
    5. Maple Syrup.
    Nov 19, 2013

    What is cider with alcohol called? ›

    Hard cider is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apples (like how wine is made from fermented grapes). Like wine, starting with fruit gives hard cider taste profiles that range from fruity to dry. Your palette can pick up on the acids and tannins that come from the wide variety of apples.

    Which cider has the highest alcohol? ›

    strong cider
    ABV
    1Sea Cider Rumrunner (2009+ Newfoundland Screech Rum) 12.5%12.5%
    2Millstone Cellars Cobbler Retired 8.0%8.0%
    3Chemin des Sept Turbo Brut (Chêne Américain et Français) 8.5%8.5%
    4Millstone Cellars Vin De Pomme Retired 8.0%8.0%
    46 more rows

    What does warm apple cider do to your body? ›

    Apple cider contains polyphenols, which are compounds in plants that act as antioxidants. They can help the body to fight against free radicals and cell damage, lowering your risk of certain types of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Polyphenols also help to ease inflammation in the body.

    What are mulling spices made of? ›

    The combination of spices varies, but it usually consists of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg, and less frequently star anise, peppercorn, or cardamom. It also usually includes dried fruit, such as raisins, apples, or orange rind. Mulling spices can be bought prepackaged.

    Can I drink apple cider at night? ›

    ACV has been used in the field of medicine for centuries. It is claimed to help with several diseases such as eczema, high cholesterol, and type II diabetes. Most people drink ACV in the morning but having it the night before bed can be beneficial for your health in several ways.

    How to make cider at home without a press? ›

    Instructions
    1. Core all apples and roughly chop. ...
    2. Pour out apple pulp into a large mixing bowl and set aside. ...
    3. Add a generous helping (about 2 cups) of the apple pulp to a nut milk bag. ...
    4. Repeat until all the apples have been juiced.
    5. Recipe makes 1/2 gallon of apple cider.
    Oct 20, 2020

    How is traditional cider made? ›

    The first step is to select some apples before pressing them and fermenting the juice slowly in barrels. The fermentation process is typically carried out over the winter, resulting in a dry and still cider by early summer. While this is the basic process, there is, of course, a lot more to cider making.

    Can you make cider without yeast? ›

    Natural yeast in the juice will ferment the sugar to alcohol. Yeast need not be added, although it can without any problem. Some fermentation processes call for killing all the yeast in the pure cider with sulfur dioxide, waiting 24 hours and then adding wine yeast. For the homeowner this is not necessary.

    Is it cheaper to make your own cider? ›

    If we say it cost a total of $2.75 to make this batch of 48oz, that would come out to $7.15/gallon. If cost is your only factor, then once you add up the ingredients, and the time spent making the cider, it would probably be faster and cheaper to stick a gallon or two in your cart next time you visit the store.

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