Hot Mulled Cider Recipe (2024)

by Erin

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This easy recipe for Non Alcoholic Mulled Cider is a cozy warm beverage for chilly nights. Make it in the slow cooker, on the stove or in your instant pot. It can also be spiked with your favorite spirit for the holiday season.

Hot Mulled Cider Recipe (1)

Right up there with my other cozy drink recipes like the Hot Toddy and Mulled Wine is this Hot Mulled Cider. Give me a cozy sweater (with sleeves just a tad too long), a warm blanket and a mug of this and I’m a happy girl when Fall rolls around.

What does mulled cider mean?

  • Mulled cider is a sweet cider that has been heated with spices and citrus fruits.

I like to use fresh cider or unfiltered apple juice for this recipe (look for it in the produce section or refrigerated section).

The mulling spices that I’m using are cinnamon, star anise pods and whole allspice berries. Other spice options include cardamom pods, black peppercorns, whole cloves and nutmeg.I also throw in some fresh cranberries and orange peel.

The cozy flavor can’t be beat on a cold day.

It’s especially magical when you pack a thermos to take along on your next sledding adventure.

Hot Mulled Cider Recipe (4)

This recipe is great for parties since it makes a big batch and can be left to simmer on the stove (or make it in the crockpot). It also makes your house smell amazing. It’s the perfect warm drink for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. It’s also great for tailgating.

How to make it

You can make this apple cider recipe on the stove, in the slow cooker or in the Instant Pot.

  • Stovetop Method: Add ingredients to a large saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and continue to simmer for 45 minutes – 1 hour.
  • Slow Cooker Method: Add ingredients to a crockpot and cook on LOW for 3 hours.
  • Instant Pot Method: Add to a pressure cooker and cook on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes. Let pressure release naturally then serve.
Hot Mulled Cider Recipe (5)

Does mulled cider have alcohol?

  • Mulled cider can be served with or without alcohol. It is delicious on its own, but you can also spike it with your favorite spirit.

Best booze for spiked cider

  • Apple Brandy
  • Rum
  • Bourbon
  • Cognac

When adding alcohol, add it at the end so that it doesn’t cook off. You can either add ½ cup of booze to the finished recipe, or you can leave out the alcohol so that your guests can choose to have a non-alcoholic mulled cider or spiked mulled cider.

Hot Mulled Cider Recipe (6)

FAQs

How long can you keep mulled cider?

Spiced cider will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Can mulled cider be reheated?

Yes. Simply reheat on the stove on low heat without bringing to a boil.

What to Serve with It

  • Apple Tartlets with Salted Caramel
  • Butterscotch Budino with Salted Caramel
  • Apple Galette with Cardamom
  • Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat)
  • Creme Brulee with Cardamom Roasted Blackberries
Hot Mulled Cider Recipe (7)

More Fall co*cktail recipes

  • Cranberry Maple Bourbon Smash co*cktail
  • Sparkling Ginger Pear co*cktails
  • Apple Cider co*cktail
  • Harvest Moon Applejack co*cktail
  • Apple CiderMoscowMule
  • More → 40+ Whiskey co*cktails

Did you try this non alcoholic mulled cider?

If you loved this hot mulled cider beverage, I would appreciate it so much if you would give this recipe a ⭐️star review⭐️! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me onInstagramusing the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me onInstagram,TikTok,PinterestandFacebook.

Hot Mulled Cider Recipe (8)

Mulled Cider (Non Alcoholic or Spiked)

Mulled Apple Cider is a cozy warm beverage for chilly nights. Make it in the slow cooker, on the stove or in your instant pot. Can be served non-alcoholic or spiked with your favorite spirit.

5 from 16 votes

Print Pin

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 16 people

Created by Platings and Pairings

Ingredients

For serving (optional):

  • Orange Slices
  • Cranberries
  • Cinnamon Sticks
  • Apple Slices
  • ½ cup Brandy (Bourbon or Rum)

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a large saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and continue to simmer for 45 minutes – 1 hour.

  • If desired, stir in brandy, bourbon or rum. Garnish and serve.

Notes

  • Slow Cooker Method: Add ingredients to a crockpot and cook on LOW for 3 hours.
  • Instant Pot Method: Add to a pressure cooker and cook on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes. Let pressure release naturally then serve.

Nutrition calculation includes added alcohol.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Nutrition

Calories: 146kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 275mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 22IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg

Check out the web story here.

This post was originally published in 2020. It was updated in 2023 to add new information. The non alcoholic mulled cider recipe remains the same. Enjoy!

Hot Mulled Cider Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is hot mulled cider made of? ›

Mulled apple cider is unfiltered apple juice that's been heated and flavored with mulling spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and allspice; and fruits like oranges, lemons, and apples. I'll also add a little dark rum if it's just us grown ups enjoying a round of apple cider co*cktails!

Can I just heat up apple cider? ›

Apple cider is a versatile beverage you can integrate into your menu in a variety of ways. While delicious cold, you can turn apple cider into a warming and comforting drink by heating it on the stove and adding a sprinkle of your favorite type of cinnamon. You can also use it to make holiday-themed co*cktails.

What's the best cider for mulled cider? ›

A strong apple flavour is a must, and the sweeter the apple, the better! With more sugar, the cider will be better-balanced and richer once you add the spices. Organic ciders are not made with apple concentrate or additives and therefore the flavours are intense and balanced.

What liquor is best in hot cider? ›

I prefer bourbon but whiskey or a dark rum with caramel flavors would also work wonderfully. What kind of bourbon goes in spiked apple cider? I used Makers Mark for this recipe which is one of my favorite bourbon brands. However, other brands I also recommend Four Roses or Woodford Reserve as other great options.

Does alcohol burn off in mulled cider? ›

But fear not, hot cider, hot toddy, and mulled wine lovers: Around 85 percent of your beloved alcohol will survive the heating process. The U.S. Department of Agriculture did a study in 2007 that nailed down the numbers with the magic of the scientific method.

How much alcohol is in mulled cider? ›

Mulled Cider, ABV 6.5% before heating! Our Mulled Cider is a mix of cider, sugar and spices and should be served piping hot. Some may wish to sweeten it further to taste. Chase away those winter sniffs and snuffles.

What does warm apple cider do to your body? ›

Apple cider contains polyphenols, which are compounds in plants that act as antioxidants. They can help the body to fight against free radicals and cell damage, lowering your risk of certain types of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Polyphenols also help to ease inflammation in the body.

How long does mulled cider keep for? ›

Norcotts Mulled Cider 3l Pouch (2 x 3 Litre pouches) No Fizz

It's great for sharing and will last up to 6 weeks once opened, or 1 year unopened. Serving Suggestion : Traditionally served warmed, although equally delicious served over ice.

How to keep mulled cider hot? ›

A slow cooker does double duty of both mulling the cider and keeping it warm for hours, making it the perfect appliance for this classic cold-weather beverage.

Why is my mulled cider bitter? ›

Alcohol (some honey varieties, some fruits, and some adjuncts) can add bitterness. Bitterness balances sweetness. Low sweetness in the presence of higher alcohol will make the cider seem bitter. High sweetness and low alcohol will make the cider seem cloying.

Is Mulled cider good for you? ›

Is mulled apple cider good for you? Mulled apple cider contains nutrients found in apples, including antioxidants like polyphenols. Antioxidants help protect against oxidative stress to keep cells healthy. Apples are also rich in quercetin, pectin, vitamin C, vitamin E and fiber.

What's the difference between mulled wine and mulled cider? ›

Some people may call Hot Mulled Cider “Mocked Mulled Wine” since it's an alcohol-free version of Mulled Wine. Mulled Wine is a hot red wine (use an entire bottle) that is infused with Mulling Spices. Typically, it includes orange and/or apples, sugar or honey, and liquors such as brandy, cognac, rum, and vodka.

What is vodka and cider called? ›

An apple martini (appletini for short) is a co*cktail containing vodka and one or more of apple juice, apple cider, apple liqueur, or apple brandy.

What is hot cider called in Mexico? ›

Mexican Christmas Punch, also known as Ponche Navideño is similar to hot apple cider or wassail in its final form. However, instead of starting with juice, Ponche starts with lots of fresh fruit, spices, and pure sugar cane.

What to add to cider to make it taste better? ›

Oranges. Oranges add a sweet, citrus flavor that acts as a perfect complement to the apples and spices. Cinnamon Sticks. Impart the delicious, warm, and cozy flavor of cinnamon into your delicious homemade apple cider recipe.

What is the difference between cider and mulled cider? ›

Wondering what the difference is between classic Apple Cider and Mulled Cider? Apple Cider is just raw unfiltered apple juice that is normally enjoyed as a cold drink without any additional flavorings. Mulled Cider uses Mulling spices and fruit to bring a new, spiced flavor with a hint of citrus to heated cider.

Why is it called mulled cider? ›

Mulled cider is a traditional fall and winter drink made by simmering apple cider, or apple juice, with a variety of spices and sometimes adding a splash of alcohol. The term "mulled" simply means heated and spiced.

Does mulled cider have caffeine? ›

Hot mulled apple cider is much more satisfying than tea or coffee, and it doesn't contain any caffeine, making it the perfect evening drink.

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