Mulled Apple Cider 🍎🍊🍂 Warm, Spiced, and Perfectly Infused for Cozy Gatherings

This mulled apple cider is gently heated with citrus and whole spices until the flavors are deep, fragrant, and irresistibly warming.

It’s perfect for sipping by the fire, serving at holiday parties, or keeping in a slow cooker for guests.

Ingredients (Serves 8–10)

For the cider

• 10 cups apple cider (fresh, unfiltered if possible)
• 1 medium orange, sliced into rounds
• 2 medium apples, sliced
• 4–5 cinnamon sticks
• 8 whole cloves
• 3 star anise (optional, for a subtle licorice note)
• 1–2 tsp whole allspice berries (optional)
• 2–3 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup (optional, to taste)

For serving (optional)

• Cinnamon sticks
• Apple slices
• Orange wedges
• Whipped cream and caramel drizzle (for a dessert-like version)

Step 1: Combine ingredients

In a large pot or slow cooker, combine apple cider, orange slices, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and allspice. Add sweetener if desired.

Step 2: Heat and infuse

If using the stovetop: bring mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and cover. Simmer for 30–40 minutes.
If using a slow cooker: set on low for 2–3 hours.

Step 3: Strain and serve

Remove fruit and spices with a slotted spoon or strain through a fine mesh sieve. Ladle hot cider into mugs and garnish as desired.

Flavor Variations

• Add a splash of bourbon, dark rum, or brandy for an adult version
• Replace orange with lemon for a brighter citrus note
• Add fresh ginger slices for extra warmth and spice
• Mix in a few cranberries during mulling for tartness and color

Pro Tips

• Avoid boiling — gentle heat preserves the fresh apple flavor
• Use whole spices for a cleaner, clearer drink without sediment
• Taste before adding sweetener — some ciders are naturally quite sweet
• Keep warm in a slow cooker for hours without losing flavor

Final Thoughts

Mulled Apple Cider is pure autumn comfort — aromatic, flavorful, and easy to make in big batches. It’s the kind of drink that invites everyone to linger and sip a little longer.

Simmer it. Sip it. Soak in the warmth of the season. 🍎🍊🍂

🍎 Apple Cider Recipes

Explore All Apple Cider Recipes → From cozy hot drinks to refreshing cocktails, these recipes highlight the crisp, sweet flavor of apple cider.

• 🥂 Apple Cider Mimosa – Bubbly brunch cocktail with a fall twist.
• 🍏 Classic Homemade Apple Cider – Fresh, spiced cider made from scratch.
• 🍺 Classic Hard Apple Cider – Naturally fermented for a crisp, boozy kick.
• 🍹 Apple Cider Cocktail – A simple, refreshing cider-based drink.
• 🍸 Apple Cider Margarita – A fall twist on the classic margarita.
• 🍷 Apple Cider Sangria – Fruity, spiced sangria perfect for parties.
• 🥂 Apple Cider Punch – Crowd-pleasing drink with a festive touch.
• 🔥 Hot Apple Cider – Warming, spiced comfort in a mug.
• 🥘 Crockpot Apple Cider – Slow-cooked cider for rich, deep flavor.
• 🍂 Mulled Apple Cider – Simmered with spices for a holiday favorite.