Mulled Apple Cider is a fabulous hot beverage that will warm your soul on a chilly day. It’s also a great way to use some of those yummy new apples that just fell off the tree.

You can quickly turn this Mulled Apple Cider into a boozy drink by adding a splash of rum, brandy, cinnamon schnapps, vodka, or whiskey.

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For those of you who do not know, I grew up on a farm. Besides having fruit trees such as peach, pear, crabapple, and cherry, we also had several apple trees. One year, my parents bought an apple press to make their own homemade, organic, unprocessed, unfiltered, apple cider. I can not begin to tell you just how amazing that cider tasted!

If I told you that homemade cider is a breeze to make, I would be lying. However, homemade apple cider was worth every ounce of effort! If there happened to be any leftovers (which was rare), Mom would freeze it so that we could make a delicious slushy apple icy drink. Yeah, it was amazing too! I do not remember my parents making Mulled Apple Cider, however, I do know that their homemade cider would be absolutely fabulous in this recipe.

Spices

If you want to create the best Mulled Apple Cider possible, quality spices and quality apple cider/juice are key. If possible, pay a visit to a local apple orchard and purchase a gallon of fresh apple cider. It really will make a difference in the end result. However, if you do not have access to a local orchard, feel free to use apple juice instead. Either will work fine.

Cooking Methods

There are various methods used when cooking ingredients for mulled cider. Some people have no problem with their cider being a bit cloudy, while others prefer a clearer look. If you do not care how cloudy your drink appears, then simply add all of your ingredients to a stockpot or large saucepan. Bring the mixture to just under the boiling point, then reduce the heat to low and allow the cider to simmer for approximately 30 minutes. The longer the mulled cider simmers, the more it will reduce because of evaporation. 

If you prefer your cider to be on the clearer side, then place all of the spices onto a double thickness of cheesecloth. Carefully gather all four corners of the cheesecloth and tie the ends together with cooking twine. Add the bag of spices to the apple cider/juice and simmer the mixture for 30 minutes. Discard the spice bag. Using a stainless steel strainer, strain the cider mixture, dip into mugs. For garnish, add a thinly sliced apple, a couple of whole cloves, and an anise star pod, slice of lemon, a tiny Seckel pear and whole cinnamon sticks. Serve.

Yield: Yields Approx. 4-1/2 quarts

Mulled Apple Cider

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Relax with a glass of warm cider on a chilly day.

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Ingredients

• 4 to 5 whole cinnamon sticks (Use 2 or 3 for a milder taste)
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon whole allspice (or to taste)
• (Optional: several anise star pods, gives a hint of licorice)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar OR 1/3 cup honey
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 apple, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Pinch of salt
• 1 gallon apple cider or apple juice
• Optional: Brandy, Rum, Cinnamon Schnapps, Vodka, or Whiskey, to taste
• NOTE: If you prefer, place all of the spices onto a double thickness of cheesecloth. Carefully gather all four corners of the cheesecloth and tie the ends together with kitchen string. Add the bag of spices to the apple cider/juice and simmer mixture for 30 minutes. Discard the spice bag. Using a stainless steel strainer, strain cider mixture, dip into mugs. Garnish if desired.

Instructions

1. Place all of the ingredients (excluding the alcohol), into a stockpot.
2. Bring mixture to just under the boiling point.
3. Reduce heat to low.
4. Simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Remove from heat.
6. Pour into mugs.
7. Optional: garnish with whole cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, anise star pod, thinly sliced apples and tiny Seckel pear.
8. Optional: Add alcohol, to taste.
9. Serve.

Notes

Apart from the alcohol, all ingredients in this recipe should be naturally gluten-free. However, please read all labels and do not hesitate to contact a company yourself to inquire if their product meets gluten-free standards.

Since we have several in our immediate family that are on a gluten-free and/or low-carb diet, Anna and I are infamous for modifying a recipe to be gluten-free. Therefore, we are never offended and actually encourage others to feel free to modify ours. Consequently, we hope that you have fun creating your very own Mulled Apple Cider. 

Enjoy!

Linda

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