Mulled Apple Cider has a cozy citrus flavor, tart apple, and infused Fall spices. It’s perfect for a cool autumn day or holiday entertaining.
This recipe costs around $12.13 to make. The recipe makes seven servings, which cost approximately $1.74 per serving.
Mulled Apple Cider Recipe
Cheers to a favorite holiday drink that tastes just as delicious as it smells. I also love the festive look as it simmers in the pot with the bright oranges, apples, and berries. It is the perfect drink for celebrating Thanksgiving or Christmas or drinking on a cool night.
Mulled Apple Cider is full of hints of warmth and spice as the simple ingredients come together as they simmer on the stovetop. Grab a mug and cozy up with a warm Apple Cider!
What You’ll Love About Mulled Apple Cider:
- Family Tradition: For many folks, making homemade apple cider is a holiday staple in their family. This recipe brings families together. Use this recipe to start your family tradition today!
- Quality Ingredients: Homemade Apple Cider tastes way better than store-bought. Made with fresh ingredients and high-quality spices, it creates the perfect warm and comforting blend with no artificial flavors.
- Warm Flavors: This Mulled Apple Cider recipe allows the ingredients to release their natural flavors into the drink. They blend into a soothing drink that fills your home with the most Heavenly aroma.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost
Per Serving Cost: $1.74
Recipe Cost: $12.13
- 8 cups apple cider – $2.72
- 6 apples – $3.30
- 2 oranges – $1.50
- 1 teaspoon allspice berries – $0.57
- 4 cinnamon sticks – $1.36
- 10 whole cloves – $2.50
- 2 star anise – $0.08
- 2 Tablespoons dark brown sugar – $0.10
NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have. I updated the pricing for this recipe in September 2023.
How To Make Mulled Apple Cider
***For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.
- First, place apple cider in a large stock pot.
- Add all of the fruit.
- Add the spices and stir brown sugar.
- Then, bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce to low, and simmer for twenty to thirty minutes.
- Next, strain the cider in batches.
- Finally, serve the cider hot in a mug garnished with an apple slice.
Recipe For Mulled Apple Cider Variations & Substitutions
- Other juices: Experiment with different fruit juices like pomegranate, sour cherry, or unsweetened cranberry juice as substitutes for a portion of the apple cider.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger for extra warmth and complexity.
- Berries and fruits: Experiment with other fruits like pears, cranberries, or even pineapple for unique flavor profiles.
- Sweeteners: Adjust the sweetness with honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar instead of brown sugar. Be sure to taste and add gradually to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
- Vanilla bean: Split and scrape a vanilla bean pod and add it to the simmering mixture for a subtle vanilla flavor.
Storage Tips
SERVE: Garnish each mug with a cinnamon stick, orange peel twist, or star anise to enhance the visual appeal and infuse more aroma and flavor. You can use a slow cooker or a beverage dispenser to keep the cider warm during gatherings.
STORE: After preparing the mulled cider, allow it to cool to room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container or glass jar in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. It’s best to remove the solid ingredients (apples, oranges, spices) before refrigerating the liquid.
FREEZE: Allow the cider to cool completely, remove the fruit and spices, then transfer it to an airtight container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
THAW: To thaw, move it to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly. Gently stir or shake the container to recombine any separated elements. It may take several hours to thaw completely.
REHEAT: When reheating mulled cider, do so gently over low to medium heat on the stove. Avoid boiling it, as this may affect the flavors. Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Remember to taste and adjust the sweetness or spices.
Mulled Apple Cider Recipe FAQs
Mulled refers to the process of warming with spices and fruits. Regular apple cider can be served cold and has no added spices or fruit like star anise, cinnamon, or oranges.
Yes, you can reheat the apple cider. You may want to add cinnamon stick or star anise when rewarming the apple cider on the stovetop in a large stockpot.
My recipe is made with the following ingredients: apple cider, apples, oranges, allspice berries, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and dark brown sugar.
More Drinks
- Instant Pot Hot Chocolate
- How to Make Hot Chocolate Bombs
- White Hot Chocolate
- Kinderpunsch: Non-Alcoholic Warm Punch
- Horchata Recipe and Horchata Frappuccino
- Shirley Temple Drink
- Cranberry Limeade Sparkling Mocktail Recipe
- Homemade Eggnog
Mulled Apple Cider
Equipment
- Large stock pot
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- Mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider
- 6 apples any variety, halved
- 2 large oranges quartered
- 1 teaspoon allspice berries (approximately 12)
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 10 whole cloves
- 2 star anise
- 2 Tablespoons dark brown sugar not packed
Instructions
MULL THE CIDER:
- Place all ingredients into a large stock pot that’s about 4-5 quarts.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
STRAIN AND SERVE:
- Strain, working in batches.
- Serve hot in a mug garnished with an apple slice.
Nutrition
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What a delicious recipe – also what gorgeous pictures!
It’s still warm here in Texas but I’m in a Fall mood so I gave this a try. My house smelled amaazing and it was so delicious. Makes me so excited for Fall season.
I was searching for some new fall recipes and came across this mulled apple cider. Oh. My. Word. It’s delicious and the perfect blend of flavors for fall. I’m glad the season is just beginning, so I can make this again, haha!
The recipe was absolutely delicious and a definite winner! Thank you for this awesomeness!
This is so delicious and perfect for fall! I love how the cozy fragrance permeates the house while I’m making it!