Warm and Spicy Homemade Mulled Cider Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 gallon apple cider
  • 1 orange
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 3 sticks of cinnamon
  • 1 inch piece of fresh ginger
  • 1/4 cup of brown sugar
  • 1 cup of rum (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Pour the apple cider into a large pot and set it over medium heat.
  2. Cut the orange into slices and add them to the pot.
  3. Add the cloves, cinnamon sticks, ginger, and brown sugar to the pot.
  4. Stir everything together until the sugar has dissolved.
  5. Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  6. After 30 minutes, add the rum if using, and stir to combine.
  7. Strain the cider to remove the spices and orange slices.
  8. Serve the mulled cider hot.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - A pot big enough to hold and heat the gallon of apple cider.
  • Knife - To slice the orange.
  • Measuring cup - To measure the brown sugar and rum (if using).
  • Stirring spoon - To stir the cider and ingredients together.
  • Strainer - To strain the mulled cider and remove the spices and orange slices.

Recipe variations

  • Add a splash of lemon juice for a tangy twist.
  • Replace the cloves with star anise for a different flavor profile.
  • Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a subtle sweetness.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for added warmth.
  • Experiment with different types of citrus fruits like lemon or grapefruit.
  • Add a cinnamon stick to each serving mug for an extra touch of aroma and flavor.
  • Replace the rum with bourbon or brandy for a different spirit infusion.
  • Garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a slice of apple.

Recipe overview

This warm, fragrant Mulled Cider recipe is a fall and winter favorite that will fill your home with a delicious aroma. Made with apple cider, orange, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger, it's a comforting drink that's perfect for cold days. It's simple to prepare, requiring only one pot and about 30 minutes of your time. For an adult twist, consider adding some rum. Serve it hot right out of the pot, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or a quiet night in. Whether you're new to making mulled drinks or a seasoned pro, you're sure to enjoy this delightful treat.

Common questions

  1. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Absolutely! You can transfer all the ingredients into a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
  2. Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of brown sugar? Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or any other sweetener of your choice. Adjust the amount to taste.
  3. Can I make this recipe without alcohol? Yes, you can omit the rum or substitute it with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.
  4. Can I store leftover mulled cider? Yes, you can refrigerate the leftover mulled cider in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat it before serving.
  5. Can I add other spices to the mulled cider? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg, allspice, or star anise to add more flavor to your mulled cider.
  6. Can I garnish the mulled cider with anything? Yes, you can garnish the mulled cider with a cinnamon stick, orange slices, or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for presentation.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - A large pot is needed to heat and simmer the mulled cider.
  • Stirring spoon - A spoon is necessary for stirring the ingredients together.
  • Strainer - A strainer is required to remove the spices and orange slices from the mulled cider before serving.
  • Mugs or cups - Mugs or cups are needed for serving the hot mulled cider.
  • Ladle - A ladle is helpful for transferring the mulled cider from the pot to the serving mugs or cups.
  • Garnish (optional) - Optional garnishes such as cinnamon sticks, orange slices, or apple slices can be used to enhance the presentation of the mulled cider.

Origin stories

Mulled cider, a beloved drink of the cold season, has its roots in the medieval period of Europe. Back then, it was known as wassail, a hot, spiced punch often associated with Yuletide. Wassailers, as they were called, would go from house to house with their mugs, singing songs and spreading cheer in return for the spiced cider. The tradition of 'wassailing' was aimed at ensuring a good cider apple harvest the following year. So, when you sip on a hot mug of mulled cider, you're partaking in a tradition that spans centuries and was once believed to influence the success of the next year's apple harvest.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.