When the weather outside is frightful and you’re looking for something delightful, and since we’ve got no place to go, have a mulled apple cider to go! My Mulled Apple Cider recipe is sweet, aromatic, warming and the epitome of winter in drink form.
It all starts with a sweet and refreshing apple cider, which is spiced with a combination of fragrant and warming aromatics - including orange and apple slices, ginger, cinnamon sticks and star anise. The fruits and spices provide a hint of flavour without overpowering the delicate and crisp taste of the apple cider. The ingredients combine to create the most satisfying mugful!
Serve the mulled apple cider as is or add an orange and apple slice and a stick of cinnamon for some festive flair. If you're looking for a little added warmth, spice up this hot treat with a shot of your favourite spirit - Rum, Bourbon or Whisky! These spirits pair beautifully with this cider recipe. So, what are you waiting for?! Grab a spoon and come and cook with me!
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Serves: 4 - 6
Ingredients:
2.5L apple cider (approx. 10.5 cups)
4 large orange slices
2 Honeycrisp apple slices (See Notes below)
Fresh ginger, cut into a 1 inch piece
2 cinnamon sticks
1 star anise pod
Additional orange and apple slices and cinnamon sticks, as garnish
Rum, Bourbon or Whisky (optional), for a spiked version (See Notes below)
Instructions:
To a large pot set over medium heat, add the apple cider, orange and apple slices, ginger, cinnamon sticks and star anise. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 20 minutes.
Turn off the heat and, using a fine meshed strainer, remove the orange and apple slices, ginger, cinnamon sticks and star anise and discard.
Ladle the strained mulled cider into mugs and serve as is or garnish with orange and apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Enjoy!
Notes:
So Many Apples to Choose From: I love using Honeycrisp apples in this cider recipe. But, feel free to substitute the Honeycrisp apple slices with other crisp and firm apples, such as Granny Smith or Cortland. The respective apples won’t disintegrate when simmered. Steer clear of Gala, McIntosh and Red and Golden Delicious apples. Although, these apples are great for snacking, they don’t hold up well when cooked and will alter the consistency and overall texture of the cider.
Simmering is Key Here: You know your cider is simmering when you start to see a few small bubbles form. Once simmering, turn down the heat to low. Avoid boiling the cider as it will change the flavour profile and texture of the drink.
Make Ahead: If you are making this mulled cider in advance of your holiday gathering, simply prepare the mulled cider in accordance with the recipe above and refrigerate it until ready for use. Just before your guests arrive, pour the cider into a large pot and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Once it comes to a simmer, turn off the heat, serve and enjoy.
Spiked Version: For some added warmth, to a mug full of cider, add 1 oz of your favourite spirit and enjoy! Cheers!
