Pin This hot spiked mulled cider has been my cold-weather comfort ritual for years, filling the house with the most incredible aroma while providing the perfect warming drink for gatherings or quiet evenings by the fire.
I first discovered this recipe during a particularly brutal winter storm when I was craving something warming but festive. The combination of spices and spirits became an instant tradition, and now friends request it the moment temperatures drop below freezing.
Ingredients
- Apple cider: forms the foundation of this drink with its natural sweetness and apple flavor use unfiltered cider for the richest flavor
- Orange slices: add bright citrus notes that balance the richness perfectly choose organic oranges if possible for the best flavor and to avoid pesticides on the rind
- Lemon slices: optional but add a pleasant tartness that cuts through the sweetness
- Whole cloves: provide that distinctive holiday aroma and slight numbing effect on the palate
- Cinnamon sticks: release warm baking spice notes as they steep use Ceylon cinnamon for a more complex flavor
- Star anise pods: contribute a licorice note that pairs beautifully with the fruit choose whole pods rather than ground for better flavor control
- Allspice berries: add complexity with their combination of cinnamon nutmeg and clove notes
- Fresh ginger: brings heat and brightness that makes the cider especially warming
- Honey or maple syrup: allows you to adjust sweetness to taste local honey adds subtle floral notes
- Nutmeg: adds a nutty depth that rounds out the flavor profile always grate fresh for the best flavor
- Dark rum bourbon or apple brandy: transforms this from simple cider to a sophisticated cocktail choose a spirit you enjoy drinking on its own
Instructions
- Combine the base ingredients:
- Pour the apple cider into a large saucepan and add all the fruit slices and spices including the orange lemon cloves cinnamon star anise allspice berries ginger honey and nutmeg. The combination of these ingredients will create layers of flavor as they steep together.
- Warm gently:
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins steaming but never allow it to boil which would cause bitter flavors to develop from the spices and could cook off delicate aromatics. This should take about 15 to 20 minutes with occasional stirring to distribute the heat evenly.
- Steep to intensify flavors:
- Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to steep for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. This extra time allows the spices to fully release their essential oils and flavors into the cider. The longer you steep the more pronounced the spice flavors will become.
- Strain the mixture:
- Using a fine mesh strainer remove all the whole spices and fruit slices. Press gently on the solids to extract any absorbed liquid but avoid pressing too hard which could release bitter compounds.
- Add your spirit of choice:
- Off the heat stir in your selected alcohol. Adding it after heating preserves the alcohol content and allows the spirit's flavor to shine through without cooking off.
- Serve with care:
- Ladle the hot cider into mugs or heatproof glasses and garnish each serving with a fresh orange slice and cinnamon stick which continues to infuse flavor as guests sip.
Pin My absolute favorite way to serve this cider is in clear glass mugs that showcase the beautiful amber color. I once brought a thermos of this to a friend's outdoor holiday gathering, and it became the unexpected star of the evening. Everyone huddled around with their mugs, and the conversation flowed as freely as the cider.
Storage Tips
This mulled cider keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in a covered container. The flavors actually continue to develop and meld over time, making it an excellent make-ahead option for entertaining. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stovetop without boiling. I recommend adding the alcohol only to the portion you plan to serve immediately, keeping the base alcohol-free for maximum flexibility and freshness.
Perfect Pairings
The warm spices and fruit notes in this mulled cider make it an exceptional companion to both sweet and savory foods. Serve alongside buttery shortbread cookies, gingerbread, or apple crisp for a dessert pairing. For a more substantial offering, this cider complements aged cheeses beautifully, particularly sharp cheddar or creamy brie. The drink also pairs wonderfully with savory appetizers like bacon-wrapped dates or spiced nuts, creating a balanced flavor experience that will delight your guests.
Seasonal Adaptations
Fall Harvest Version: add 1 cup of fresh apple chunks and a handful of cranberries for color and tartness
Winter Holiday Blend: incorporate 2 tablespoons of dried orange peel and 1 tablespoon of cardamom pods
Spring Celebration: lighten it up with 1 cup of pear nectar and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary
The History Behind The Mug
Mulled cider has deep roots in American colonial traditions, where it was often served as "wassail" during winter celebrations. The practice of heating cider with spices dates back centuries, with variations found across apple-growing regions worldwide. In early America, adding spirits to cider was partly practical—alcohol helped preserve the cider through winter months when fresh fruit was scarce. The tradition of gathering around a warm pot of spiced cider has persisted through generations as a symbol of hospitality and community, particularly in rural areas where apple orchards were common.
Non-Alcoholic Variation
Creating an equally delicious non-alcoholic version requires just a few thoughtful adjustments. Instead of simply omitting the alcohol, try adding 2 tablespoons of high-quality vanilla extract after straining, which provides complexity similar to aged spirits. A splash of apple cider vinegar—just a teaspoon—adds brightness and depth that mimics some of the complexity alcohol provides. For a more sophisticated non-alcoholic version, try adding 1/4 cup of strongly brewed black tea during the steeping process, which adds tannins similar to those found in aged spirits.
Pin This spiced cider is perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Yes, simply omit the spirit or serve it on the side for an alcohol-free option.
- → What spirits work best with this drink?
Dark rum, bourbon, or apple brandy complement the warm spices and fruit flavors beautifully.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
You can simmer the cider and spices ahead, then reheat and add the spirit just before serving.
- → How do I adjust sweetness?
Sweeten with honey or maple syrup to taste after simmering, based on your preference.
- → What garnishes enhance presentation?
Top mugs with fresh orange slices and a cinnamon stick for a festive, aromatic touch.
- → What food pairs well with mulled cider?
Enjoy with spiced cookies, gingerbread, or nutty treats for a cozy combination.