Seasonal Drinks
Authentic Spiced Mulled Apple Cider Recipe
A fragrant, steaming pot of cider is the heart of a winter kitchen, inviting guests with its warm aroma. This recipe uses unfiltered juice and whole aromatics to create a deeply comforting drink that highlights the best of the harvest season.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Serves
- 6
- Level
- Easy
- Per serving
- 145 kcal
Method
Pour the unfiltered apple cider into a large stainless steel or enamel-coated pot.
Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and fresh ginger to the liquid.
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a very gentle simmer. Avoid a rolling boil to prevent the juice from becoming cloudy or losing its fresh apple notes.
Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the pot and allow the cider to steep for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a more intense spice profile.
Taste the cider; if you prefer a sweeter profile depending on the tartness of your apples, stir in the maple syrup until dissolved.
Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove the whole spices and fruit, or simply ladle the warm cider directly into heat-proof mugs, including a piece of fruit or a cinnamon stick in each glass for presentation.
Notes
Always choose unfiltered cider; the pulp provides a richer mouthfeel and more complex flavor than clear apple juice.
For a slow cooker method, combine all ingredients and heat on low for 3 to 4 hours.
If you want to keep the spices contained for easy removal, you can place the cloves and star anise inside a spice bag or large tea infuser.
This recipe is naturally grain-free and dairy-free as it relies solely on fruit and whole spices.
