Easy Mulled Apple Cider

THIS MULLED APPLE CIDER RECIPE IS PERFECT FOR WINTER AND FALL. WITH A SLOW COOKER OR STOVETOP OPTION, THIS easy drink CAN BE READY TO SERVE IN JUST 30 MINUTES.

The whole family will love this warming mulled apple cider, with healthy apple juice and aromatic spices.

I made a non alcoholic mulled wine recently and served it steaming in a big cosy mug front of the fire. It was chilly and raining outside. It was absolutely heavenly.

this recipe

That recipe became so popular I just had to try some other Winter mocktails. This recipe was the perfect choice!

Depending on which part of the world you're in, this would make a perfect Christmas mocktail. The smell and taste would pair perfectly with the snow falling outside and the Christmas lights twinkling away. Can you tell I love Christmas?!

This drink is non alcoholic, so it's a great mocktail for kids. My boys love eating the warm orange slices straight out of the mug.

This recipes ticks all the boxes. It's:

Simple to make: This hot apple cider 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 apple.

Fast: This can be made in just 30 minutes when made on the stovetop so it's perfect if you need to make something quickly at the last minute.

Perfect for a crowd: Need a drink for a crowd? This recipe is ideal. Simply increase the servings below to as many as you need. Whether you are making 2 mugs or 20, the effort is almost the same.

Healthy: made with fresh apple juice, spices, and no added sugar, you'll get your Vitamin C intake as well as a delicious steaming mug of mulled cider. Perfect for keeping those Winter bugs away!

What is the difference between apple cider and mulled apple cider?

Apple cider is usually consumed cold and straight out of the bottle. There are no additional ingredients added. Apple cider sometimes contains alcohol.

Mulled apple cider is served warm and is usually apple cider or apple juice simmered with spices and fruit. Sometimes alcohol is added to mulled apple cider recipes.

Can I make it in advance?

I would recommend making this on the same day as you plan to consume it, if possible. The great thing about this recipe is that you can leave it mulling for longer than 30 minutes with no issue. Simply turn your slow cooker to 'keep warm' or your saucepan to low, and keep the apple cider mulling away. Pop a ladle next to it, with some slices orange to garnish, and let your guests serve themselves!

If you really want to do the mulling the day before you can. Chill in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave when you are ready to serve.

Equipment you'll need

This recipe can be made on a stovetop or slow cooker. If making on a stovetop, you'll need a medium to large saucepan (depending on how many servings you are making). And (somewhat obviously!) and slow cooker will be required if you choose that method.

Aside from that, I recommend some nice big mugs to serve your mulled apple cider in - for some reason this recipe just tastes better in big mugs!

Ingredients

Apple juice or apple cider: When shopping for your juice, keep in mind that not all apple juice is created equal. I used an organic unfiltered apple juice which is cloudy in appearance. I personally find cloudy apple juice contains the most nutrients. Take a look on the back of each bottle and decide which one is right for you.

Mulling Spices: This recipe calls for a cinnamon stick (or more if you are making a large batch), star anise and cloves. These are generally readily available at your local supermarket.

Orange: The orange gives a lovely burst of flavour and pairs well with the apple and spices. Use a fresh orange and slice it up.

Optional brown sugar: I'm not a sweet tooth, so the apple juice and spices are plenty sweet enough for me. But if prefer it a little sweeter, there is an option to add some brown sugar to this recipe.

How to make mulled apple cider

Prepare your spices and slice your orange. Pour the apple juice into your pot, then add the spices, sugar (if using) and orange slices. Turn the heat to medium - high heat. Do not let it boil rapidly.

Once gently bubbling, turn to low and replace the lid. Mull for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 90 minutes.

Once ready, serve in cosy mugs and garnish with extra spices and/or orange. It really is that easy!

I hope you enjoy this mulled apple cider recipe as much as I enjoyed creating it.