Mulled cider is great for entertaining (like Thanksgiving and Christmas), since it makes a big batch. It’s easy to make on the stove or a slow cooker. As two cookbook authors, here our tried and true method! Because dried and ground spices end up making the drink cloudy, you’ll use whole spices when simmering. Mulled cider spices include:
Cinnamon sticks Cloves Allspice berries Whole nutmeg Star anise
Star anise is the most unique of all these mulled cider spices. It’s star-shaped and is available at most grocery stores. If you can’t find it, you can also buy star anise online.
Toast the spices first. Toasting the spices for a few minutes in the pot or a skillet helps to release even more of their flavor during the simmering time. Garnish last. If you cook mulled cider with fruit like orange slices and apple slices, they’ll fall to the bottom and the color will fade. Instead, use them as a garnish after cooking: it looks beautiful for serving! Strain if desired. Some brands of apple cider have some particulate in the bottom of the jug. This is completely expected! You can strain off any particulate that rises to the top, or just stir to re-incorporate it.
Stovetop method: The quickest! Only takes 1 hour. The only thing is you’ll have to watch to make sure that it stays on the lowest warming setting: it shouldn’t even come to a simmer. Slow cooker method: This method takes 3 hours. It’s totally hands off, great for times when you can throw ingredients in the slow cooker while you prep other foods. You can also leave it on the warm setting and serve it right out of the Crock Pot. Instant Pot method: This method is the same as the slow cooker method: use this version if you have a pressure cooker.
If you’re serving a party where not everyone is drinking, you could also leave out the rum and let guests add a splash to their own drinks. The quantity in the recipe below adds only ½ tablespoon rum per glass—so all you need is a small swig! 5 from 6 reviews
Try homemade hot chocolate with rich chocolate flavor, or go for peppermint hot chocolate or spiked hot chocolate. This cozy apple cider sangria pairs sparkling apple cider with red wine and cinnamon. An apple cider mimosa is the perfect winter or fall brunch cocktail. Try mulled wine: simmer red wine with orange, clove, cinnamon, allspice and honey.
