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There’s nothing quite like the warm, spiced aroma of mulled cider to get you into the festive spirit. In our house, mulled cider is a staple this time of year. We’re not huge wine drinkers, so mulled wine takes a back seat to a few hearty batches of mulled cider. Honestly, I can’t remember a single weekend in December when we didn’t have a pot of it simmering away.
Mulled cider is the ultimate “sitting by the fire” in a cup, isn’t it? Whether it’s after a brisk autumn walk or as part of a cozy evening with friends, it’s an absolute must for the season. This easy recipe is slightly spicy, sweet, and citrusy, with all the classic flavors of Christmas.
The best part? You can’t get it wrong! Seriously, it’s so beginner-friendly, which is great for someone like me who’s just learning the ropes.
Here’s how I make my family’s favorite mulled cider:
Ingredients
• 2 litres dry cider (get good quality – it makes a difference)
• 4 cloves
• 3 star anise
• 1 bay leaf (optional, but it adds a nice depth)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 orange (sliced)
• 2 clementines (halved or sliced)
• 4–5 tbsp light brown sugar or honey (sweeten to your taste)
To Serve:
• Extra cinnamon sticks, star anise, and orange or clementine slices for garnish.
Method
1. Warm the cider: Pour the cider into a large pot and set it over low heat. You want it warm, not boiling – boiling will burn off all the alcohol too quickly.
2. Add the spices and citrus: Toss in the cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and bay leaf (if using). Squeeze the clementines into the cider, then drop the halves in. Add the orange slices for that Christmassy citrus hit.
3. Sweeten to taste: Stir in your brown sugar or honey a tablespoon at a time until you get the perfect balance of sweetness.
4. Optional tipple: If you’re feeling fancy, add a splash of rum or brandy at the end for a little extra warmth. Most of the alcohol from the cider cooks off during the heating process, so this adds a festive kick.
5. Serve: Ladle into mugs and garnish with a slice of orange, a cinnamon stick, or a star anise for that Instagram-ready look.
Can I Make Mulled Cider Non-Alcoholic?
Absolutely! Simply replace the cider with a good-quality apple juice. I recommend adding a squeeze of lemon to balance the sweetness. It’s just as cozy and perfect for family gatherings or evenings with the kids.
Tips for the Perfect Mulled Cider
• Experiment with flavors: You can add extras like cardamom pods, a few slices of fresh ginger, or even a splash of cranberry juice to mix things up.
• Don’t boil it: Keep the cider just below a simmer to avoid burning off too much alcohol or over-extracting the spices.
• Batch it ahead: You can prep the spices and fruit earlier in the day to make the process even easier when guests arrive.
Mulled Cider Must-Haves
If you’re gearing up to make your own mulled cider, here are a few essentials you’ll love:
• Large saucepan or stockpot – Perfect for making big batches.
• Reusable spice bags – No more fishing out cloves!
• Festive mugs – Serve your cider in style. These are cool..I love these!
Mulled cider is one of those recipes you’ll tweak and perfect over the years, but that’s part of the fun. For now, this is our family favorite, and I hope it brings some festive cheer to your home too. Let me know if you try it – or if you’ve got any twists I should add!
Pin this recipe on Pinterest to save it for later, and check out the links for easy shopping. Cheers to a cozy Christmas!
