Mulled cider is a warm, spiced beverage made from apple cider or apple juice. It is typically served during the fall and winter months and is a popular drink for holiday gatherings. To make mulled cider, you typically heat the cider with a combination of spices and often sweeteners. The exact ingredients can vary, but here is a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups of apple cider or apple juice
  • 2-3 cinnamon sticks
  • 4-6 whole cloves
  • 4-6 whole allspice berries
  • 1-2 orange slices or peels
  • 1-2 lemon slices or peels
  • Sweetener to taste (such as brown sugar or honey)

Instructions:

  1. Pour the apple cider or apple juice into a large pot or saucepan.
  2. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole allspice berries, orange slices or peels, and lemon slices or peels to the pot.
  3. Heat the mixture over low to medium heat, being careful not to let it boil. You want to gently simmer it to infuse the flavors without evaporating too much liquid.
  4. Let the mixture simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Taste the mulled cider and add sweetener to your liking. You can start with a couple of tablespoons of brown sugar or honey and adjust from there.
  6. Once the cider is well-spiced and sweetened to your taste, remove it from heat.
  7. Strain the mulled cider to remove the spices and citrus peels, or you can ladle it directly into mugs, ensuring that each serving includes some of the spices and citrus for flavor.
  8. Serve the mulled cider hot, and you can optionally garnish each mug with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange.

Mulled cider is a cozy and comforting drink that’s perfect for sipping by the fireplace or enjoying at holiday gatherings. It fills the air with a warm, inviting aroma and provides a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and fruity flavors.

Image from A Couple Cooks