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Spiced Mulled Apple Cider Recipe (Easy & Warming)

Spiced Mulled Apple Cider Recipe

Unfiltered apple cider gently simmered with orange and whole warming spices makes a fragrant, comforting drink for about 8 servings. Add maple syrup or light brown sugar to taste, and offer bourbon, dark rum, or brandy at the table for adults.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cider Base
  • 8 cups Unfiltered apple cider
  • 1 orange Orange, thinly sliced
Whole Spices
  • 3 sticks Cinnamon sticks
  • 8 cloves Whole cloves
  • 3 pieces Whole star anise
  • 4 berries Whole allspice berries
  • 1/2 teaspoon Freshly grated or ground nutmeg
Optional Sweetener
  • 2 tablespoons Maple syrup or light brown sugar

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Pour the apple cider into a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, allspice berries, and nutmeg.
  2. Place the loose spices in a cheesecloth bag or tea infuser if you want to strain the cider easily later. Bring the cider slowly to a bare simmer over medium heat, taking care not to boil it.
  3. Reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pot, and gently simmer for about 30 minutes. This gives the whole spices time to infuse while keeping the apple flavor smooth.
  4. Taste the hot cider carefully and add the maple syrup or light brown sugar if it needs more sweetness. Stir until dissolved.
  5. Strain the cider into mugs and serve hot. Garnish each mug with a cinnamon stick or fresh orange slice if desired.

Notes

Use unfiltered, unsweetened apple cider rather than apple juice for the fullest flavor and best body. Keep the cider below a boil, and strain before serving. For an alcoholic version, add 1 to 1 1/2 ounces of bourbon, dark rum, or brandy to individual mugs after heating.