Easy Mulled Apple Cider
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This is the ONLY mulled apple cider recipe you need. With crisp apple flavors, warming spices, a little citrus and the sweetness of brown sugar or maple syrup, this recipe can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker (Crock Pot). And did I mention it can be ready in as little as 30 minutes? Cheers to that!
Confession: last Winter I made a double batch of this, and my boys and I drank the WHOLE LOT while sitting outside by the fire. It was a night I am convinced a core memory was made...my boys still talk about it, and every time the weather grows cold, they ask if I can make it again. Side note: they also love my easy apple cider mocktail, so be sure to check that out if you have left over cider.
Why this recipe works
With 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: this 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 entertaining: 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. If you love apple cider drinks that are non alcoholic, be sure to try my apple cider sangria mocktail too.
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 sliced citrus. 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
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.
Spices: I opted for cinnamon, star anise and cloves in mine, but if there are other fall spices you love, feel free to experiment.
Citrus: I adore orange in mulled hot cider, but you can add lemon too.
Something to sweeten: if you prefer a sweeter mulled cider, add a little brown sugar or maple syrup. I've included instructions in the recipe card below for the best way to do this.
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!
- 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.
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How to make mulled Apple cider
Pour your apple cider into a medium saucepan. For the Crock Pot method, see the recipe card below.
Add your spices. I used cinnamon, star anise and cloves, but feel free to experiment with this!
Add your citrus. I used one sliced orange and this was perfect for me, but a sliced lemon would also be perfection here.
Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches a gentle boil. Do not let it boil rapidly. Simmer on low for around 25-30 minutes.
Serve in mugs and garnish with orange slices and star anise.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the United States, unfiltered, unpasteurised and unsweetened apple juice is sold as
non-alcoholic apple cider. In most other parts of the world, it is simply unfiltered and unsweetened apple juice. You can also use cloudy apple juice if you wish.
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it because the longer it sits, the more the flavor develops. Storage: let the cider cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you're entertaining, you can simply reheat it gently before serving (see next FAQ for how to do this).
Place in a saucepan over low heat, or into your slow cooker and warm gently until steaming. Don't let it boil, as this this can dull the flavor. You can also leave it on the 'keep warm' setting on your slow cooker and let your guests serve themselves.
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
- Don't 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.
- Use whole spices over ground if you can: these infuse flavor gently and always taste just that little bit better!
- 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.
related recipes
I hope you love this mulled apple cider as much as I do!
Easy Mulled Apple Cider: Crock Pot or Stovetop
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh apple cider or unfiltered apple juice (see Note 1)
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise (optional but adds lovely warming notes)
- 4 cloves
- 1 sliced orange
- 1 sliced lemon (optional)
- ¼ cup brown sugar or maple syrup (optional - see Note 2)
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 or maple syrup 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 or maple syrup 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.