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Mulled Cider Recipe: Easy Homemade Fall Drink for Cozy Nights

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This easy homemade mulled cider recipe is the perfect cozy fall drink, infused with whole spices, citrus, and apple cider. It’s quick to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to warm you up on chilly nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups (2 liters) apple cider (preferably fresh, unfiltered)
  • 3–4 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 8–10 whole cloves
  • 2–3 star anise (optional, but recommended)
  • 6–8 allspice berries
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1/2 lemon, sliced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
  • 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar (to taste)
  • Apple slices or extra citrus, for garnish (optional)
  • Optional add-ins:
  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 split vanilla bean
  • 1–2 ounces rum, bourbon, or brandy per serving (for adults)

Instructions

  1. Slice the orange and half lemon into rounds, removing seeds if possible. Peel and thinly slice the ginger.
  2. Gather whole spices: cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and allspice berries.
  3. Pour apple cider into a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add the sliced fruit, ginger, and spices. Add cranberries or vanilla bean if using.
  4. Add maple syrup or brown sugar to taste. Stir gently.
  5. Set pot over medium heat. Heat until just below a boil, then reduce to low and cover. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil.
  6. Taste after 15 minutes. Adjust sweetness or spice as needed. If too strong, add a splash of water.
  7. Remove from heat. Strain out spices and fruit using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
  8. Ladle hot cider into mugs. Garnish with apple slices, orange rounds, or cinnamon sticks. For adults, stir in rum, bourbon, or brandy just before serving.

Notes

Use whole spices for best flavor and clarity. Simmer gently—never boil—to avoid bitterness. Taste and adjust sweetness as you go. For parties, keep warm in a slow cooker. Mulled cider is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan if made with maple syrup. Customize with extra fruit, herbs, or a splash of alcohol for adults.

Nutrition

Keywords: mulled cider, fall drink, apple cider, spiced cider, cozy drinks, holiday beverage, non-alcoholic, easy recipe, autumn, Thanksgiving, Christmas, vegan, gluten-free

Find it online: https://lemonydrinks.com/mulled-cider-recipe-easy-homemade-fall-drink-for-cozy-nights/