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Spiced Mulled Apple Cider Recipe for Cozy Winter Nights

This mulled apple cider is simple to prepare and makes a cozy, warming drink for chilly days and holiday gatherings. This family-friendly version uses nonalcoholic cider (cloudy apple juice), so children and adults alike can enjoy it. For an adult twist, swap in hard cider or add a splash of brandy.

side view of a mason jar mug filled with mulled apple cider, with apples and spices on the side, on a brown board with a light brown background.

What’s the difference between apple cider and apple juice?

In the United States, “apple cider” usually refers to raw, unfiltered apple juice that is cloudy and may contain pulp and sediment. It can be pasteurized or unpasteurized and is typically nonalcoholic. Outside the U.S., “cider” often means fermented apple juice (alcoholic), which in the U.S. is called hard cider. Labels vary by country, so check packaging if you’re making this for children or family members who avoid alcohol.

Ingredients

Mulled apple cider ingredients, oranges, whole cloves, ginger root, apple cider or juice, whole star annise, cinnamon sticks and apples.

Apple cider: Use nonalcoholic cider (cloudy apple juice) for a family-friendly beverage. To make it alcoholic, use hard cider or add about ½ cup brandy or another apple-friendly spirit just before serving.

Cinnamon sticks: Whole sticks provide warm flavor without grit. If you don’t have sticks, use 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Whole cloves: A small amount adds classic warmth. Use whole cloves so you can strain them out before serving.

Star anise: Adds a pretty garnish and a subtle licorice note; omit if you prefer.

Ginger: Fresh ginger slices give brightness. Substitute ½–1 teaspoon ground ginger if needed.

Apples: Any eating apples work—use your favorite variety.

Oranges: Add citrus brightness with oranges, mandarins, or tangelos.

How to make mulled apple cider

slicing up orange into rounds.
slicing up apples and cutting out small apple stars using a star cookie cutter.

Slice the oranges and apples into rounds. For a decorative touch, use a small star-shaped cutter to remove star shapes from some apple slices.

adding apple cider or cloudy apple juice to a pot containing sliced apples and oranges, on a chopping board.
adding cloves to a pot containing sliced apples and oranges, and apple cider, on a chopping board.
adding star annise to a pot containing sliced apples and oranges, cloves and apple cider, on a chopping board.
adding cinnamon sticks to pot containing sliced apples, oranges, cloves and star annise on a chopping board.
adding sliced ginger to a pot containing sliced apples and oranges, cloves, star annise and cinnamon sticks, on a chopping board.

Place the fruit slices in a large pot. Gently shake the cider bottle to mix any settled solids and pour the cider into the pot. Add the whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise and sliced fresh ginger. Stir, cover, and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes. Simmer longer for a deeper spice infusion.

mulled apple cider with simmering in pot with clear glass lid, on a gas stove.

How to serve

top down view of pot of mulled apple cider on a chopping board, with apples, oranges and ginger root on the side.

Before serving, use a slotted spoon to remove the whole cloves, cinnamon sticks and star anise. Ladle the hot cider into heatproof mugs or glasses, adding a few fruit slices to each cup. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or an apple star for a festive touch.

How to store

Mulled cider is best enjoyed the day it’s made but will keep in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Strain out the spices before storing to avoid an overly strong, bitter flavor.

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LOOKING FOR MORE YUMMY DESSERT RECIPES?

Try variations like mulled cider popsicles, apple popsicles, apple crumble, or cinnamon-apple ice cream for seasonal treats.

close up top down view of mulled apple cider showing star shapes, with apples, oranges and spices on the side.

📋 Recipe

close up side view of a mason jar mug filled with mulled apple cider, with apples and spices on the side, on a brown board with a light brown background.

Mulled apple cider

A simple, warming nonalcoholic mulled cider perfect for family gatherings and festive occasions.

Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Servings: 12 (approx. 2/3 cup each)
Calories: 95 kcal
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 medium apples
  • 2 medium oranges
  • ½ gallon (2 litres) nonalcoholic apple cider or cloudy apple juice
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 10 whole cloves
  • 2 star anise
  • ½ inch fresh ginger root, sliced

Instructions

  1. Slice the oranges into rounds and add them to a large pot.
  2. Slice the apples. Optionally cut small star shapes for a decorative touch and add to the pot.
  3. Gently shake the cider bottle and pour the cider into the pot.
  4. Add the cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise and sliced ginger. Put the lid on.
  5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer on low for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Before serving, remove the whole spices with a slotted spoon and ladle the cider into heatproof mugs or glasses.

Slow cooker instructions

  1. Add the sliced oranges and apples, cider and spices to the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on high for 1 hour or low for 2 hours with the lid on.
  3. Scoop out the whole spices and switch the cooker to the warm setting if available. Great for serving a crowd throughout the day.

Notes

Use nonalcoholic cider or cloudy apple juice to keep this family-friendly. To make it boozy, use hard cider or stir in ½ cup brandy or your favorite apple-compatible spirit just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 95 kcal • Carbohydrates: 24 g • Protein: 0.4 g • Fat: 0.4 g • Sugar: 18 g

Nutritional information is an estimate. For precise values, calculate using the specific brands you use.

Tried this recipe? Let us know how it went!

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side view of a mason jar mug filled with mulled apple cider, with apples, oranges and spices on the side, on a brown board with a light brown background, with text overlay, mulled apple cider and KCAEIC.