Easy Mulled Cider
- PREP 5min
- COOK 15min
- TOTAL 20min
I love this easy mulled cider recipe. It’s equally delicious with and without the optional alcohol. A stovetop is the quickest method, but if you are entertaining, you may want to look at the slow cooker method in the tips below.
You Will Need
4 cups (946ml) apple cider or unfiltered apple juice
2 cinnamon sticks (about 3-inches each)
2 whole star anise
3 whole cloves
1 small orange, cut in half
1 quarter-size slice of fresh ginger
3/4 cup (177ml) spiced rum or bourbon, optional, see tips
Directions
Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the spices and toast, swirling them around the pan until fragrant, for about 2 minutes.
Add the apple cider, orange halves, and ginger. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat so the cider barely simmers. Cook for 10 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in rum or bourbon (optional). Remove the spices, orange halves, and ginger, then divide between four mugs.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- To make it in a slow cooker: Add all ingredients, cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours or until heated through and fragrant. Ladle into mugs and enjoy! If you’re serving a crowd, switch the slow cooker to the “warm” setting after the cider is heated through. This will keep it at the perfect temperature for guests to enjoy throughout the evening. I also like to double the recipe when using a slow cooker.
- Doubling the recipe: As written, this recipe makes about 5 (6oz) servings. It also fits nicely in a small slow cooker. For a standard 6-quart slow cooker, you can easily double or even triple the recipe.
- Alcohol: Adding 3/4 cup of rum or bourbon means each 6-ounce serving will have just over 1 ounce of alcohol (a ratio of about 6:1), making it a milder alcoholic strength. Feel free to increase the alcohol for a stronger kick. Taste and adjust to your liking!
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates. We did not include the alcohol.