Easy Mulled Apple Cider
Warm and aromatic, my mulled apple cider recipe can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker (Crock Pot). Ready in as little as 30 minutes; it’s a delicious way to warm up on a cool day.
If cold weather makes you think of mulled cider and time cosied up by the fire, my spiced mulled cider recipe is for you. if you're looking for something more refreshing, try my easy apple cider mocktail!
With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have your cold hands wrapped around a deliciously aromatic warm mug of cider before you know it.
Why this recipe works
With healthy apple juice and aromatic spices, this mulled cider recipe is non-alcoholic, so it’s perfect for the whole family. It also makes a delicious Christmas mocktail for those lucky enough to get snow!
This recipe ticks all of the boxes because its:
Simple to make: my mulled apple cider recipe is so easy to make. Gather your ingredients, place them in a pot and let them simmer away. As the saucepan heats up, the whole house is filled with the lovely aroma of spices and apples.
Fast: this can be made in just 30 minutes when it’s made on the stovetop, so it’s perfect if you need to whip something up at the last minute.
Perfect for a crowd: need a drink for a crowd? This mulled apple cider recipe is ideal. Simply increase the servings below to suit your need. The effort is almost the same whether you’re making 2 mugs or 20.
Healthy: made with fresh apple juice, spices and optional sugar, you’ll get your Vitamin C intake and a delicious steaming mug of hot mulled cider.
What Is Mulled Cider?
Similar to non-alcoholic mulled wine, mulled cider is typically a sweet cider heated with spices and citrus fruits. The word mulled actually means to heat, sweeten and flavor with spices.
When apple cider is mulled, it takes on a delicious depth of flavor from the cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves and thinly sliced orange.
Piping hot apple cider is the perfect fall and winter drink. It can also be served warm rather than hot, making it an ideal mocktail for kids.
Ingredients
With simple, healthy ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. It’s a perfect Fall mocktail when apples are in season, and fresh cider is abundant.
Apple cider: select a still, non-alcoholic apple cider or quality unfiltered apple juice for the best flavor. Sparkling cider and clear apple juice won’t taste the same.
Brown sugar (optional): if you prefer a sweeter mulled apple cider, add a little brown sugar. Taste the cider once it’s been mulled, and add sugar as required. You may not need sugar if you select an apple cider that’s already quite sweet.
Equipment You’ll Need
This versatile recipe can be ready in a flash or slow-cooked to perfection. Either way, it’s a simple and delicious recipe that won’t leave you with a sink full of dishes!
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- Saucepan: If you want a hot mulled cider in hand in around 30 minutes, choose the saucepan method. A medium-sized pan works perfectly.
- Slow cooker (Crock Pot): Perfect for entertaining, the slow cooker is the hands-off approach. Simply pour and place the ingredients into your slow cooker and set it low for 2 -2.5 hours. Your cider will be perfectly mulled and kept at the right temperature for your guests to help themselves.
How to make mulled Apple cider
Stovetop Method
Heat all ingredients in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat until just bubbling (do not let it boil rapidly).
Cover and simmer on very low for 30 minutes.
Serve in mugs and garnish with orange slices and star anise.
Slow Cooker / crock pot Method
Add all ingredients to your slow cooker.
Heat on low for 2-2.5 hours.
Pour into mugs and serve with orange slices and star anise.
FAQ's
In the United States, unfiltered, unpasteurised and unsweetened apple juice is sold as
non-alcoholic apple cider. In most other parts of the world, this product won’t be labelled as non-alcoholic cider. Instead, you’ll find fizzy, sweet dealcoholized cider given this name. In this case, simply look for unfiltered, unsweetened apple juice.
Cider is delicious when heated. It’s one of the reasons mulled apple cider is so popular! Make sure to pick a flat rather than sparkling cider for the best flavor. Alternatively, a high quality unfiltered apple juice is a great option.
I recommend that you make this the day you plan to consume it if possible. Fresh mulled cider is always best. If you do need to make it in advance, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and then reheat it before you serve it.
Typically apple cider is enjoyed cold, with nothing added to it. On the other hand, mulled cider has been heated with a mix of spices and fruit that impart a spicy depth of flavor. Both options can be alcohol or non-alcoholic. Apple cider can be still or sparkling. Both types are enjoyed cold. However, still cider is best for mulling.
Expert Tips
- Be sure not to let the mixture boil rapidly. This can make the cider a little sour. If this happens by mistake, adding a little brown sugar at the end will help to minimize any bitterness.
- Busy entertaining? Leave your mulled cider on the lowest heat on the stovetop or slow cooker. Place mugs and a ladle nearby, and let your guests help themselves. The cider stays nice and warm, and it’s less work for you too.
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I hope you love this mulled apple cider as much as I do!
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I hope you love this mulled apple cider as much as I do!
Easy Mulled Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh apple cider or unfiltered apple juice (see notes)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise
- 4 cloves
- 1 sliced orange
- ¼ cup brown sugar (optional - see notes)
Instructions
Stovetop Method
- Heat all ingredients in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat until just bubbling (do not let it boil rapidly).
- Cover and simmer on very low for 30 minutes.
- Taste, then add a tablespoon of brown sugar if required. Taste again and repeat if necessary until you reach your desired sweetness.
- Serve in mugs and garnish with orange slices and star anise.
Crock Pot / Slow Cooker Method
- Add all ingredients to your slow cooker.
- Heat on low for 2-2.5 hours.
- Taste, then add a tablespoon of brown sugar if required. Taste again and repeat if necessary until you reach your desired sweetness.
- Serve in mugs and garnish with orange slices and star anise.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
NUTRITIONAL VALUES ARE ESTIMATES ONLY AND DO NOT INCLUDE CARBS FROM SUGAR ALCOHOLS.
I love this mulled apple cider. It smelled divine when I was making it and the taste is delicious. A definite favorite of mine ...
Thanks Vicki, I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. I love this one too!
We loved the mulled apple cider! I made it for a party that we had in winter and it was so nice to have a non-alcoholic option for both the adults & the kids! I made it before people came and the smell went through the house which was so nice! My guests came back for seconds and are going to try and make it for themselves! Will definitely make this again!!
Hi Alicia, I'm so pleased you enjoyed my mulled apple cider, it was a really fun recipe to create. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, I appreciate it so much.