Description
A cozy, simple winter drink made with apple cider, oranges, and warming spices. This easy-to-make mulled cider fills the house with a magical scent and provides comfort on cold days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 gallon (3.7 liters) apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
- 2 cups (480ml) water
- 2 large oranges, sliced into rounds
- 4–5 whole star anise pods
- 3 large cinnamon sticks
- 6–8 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2–4 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Wash oranges thoroughly and slice into thin rounds. Measure out spices.
- Pour apple cider and water into a large stockpot. Add orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, black peppercorns, and honey/maple syrup if using. Stir gently.
- Heat over medium-high until a gentle simmer forms (small bubbles around edges). Reduce heat to low.
- Simmer uncovered (lid slightly ajar) for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally. Do not boil.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or strength by adding more honey or water as needed.
- Turn off heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher or serving bowl, discarding fruit and spices.
- Ladle into mugs and garnish with fresh orange slice or cinnamon stick if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not boil the cider as it can become bitter and cloudy. Use real cinnamon sticks, not powder. Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for 3 months. For a stronger flavor, simmer up to 45 minutes. Add alcohol like bourbon or rum in the last 5 minutes if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 30
Keywords: mulled cider, hot apple cider, winter drink, holiday beverage, easy recipe, cozy drink, spice cider