Harvest Spice Mulled Cider
A warm and fragrant mulled cider recipe perfect for cozy fall nights and festive gatherings. This drink combines sweet apples, warming spices, and citrusy brightness for the ultimate autumn experience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups apple cider (fresh, unfiltered)
- 2 oranges, sliced into rounds
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 2 star anise (optional)
- 4 cardamom pods (optional)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup as alternatives)
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional garnish: apple slices, orange rounds, or cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Pour the apple cider into a large pot and set it over medium heat.
- Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, cardamom pods, and ginger to the pot.
- Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Taste and adjust as needed—add more sugar for sweetness or a splash of water if it’s too strong.
- Strain the cider using a fine mesh strainer if you prefer a spice-free drink. Otherwise, ladle it directly into mugs.
- Garnish with apple slices, orange rounds, or cinnamon sticks if desired.
Notes
Keep the heat low to avoid overcooking the spices or making the cider bitter. Taste as you go to adjust the flavors to your preference. Use whole spices for a clearer drink and easier removal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: mulled cider, fall drink, apple cider, spiced cider, autumn beverage, non-alcoholic drink