Easy Mulled Apple Cider

Easy mulled apple cider is a simple drink that can warm your heart and fill your home with a delightful aroma. This drink combines fresh apple cider with spices and fruits. As it simmers, the flavors mix together, creating a comforting and flavorful beverage. It’s perfect for chilly days, family gatherings, or a cozy night at home.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to love this easy mulled apple cider recipe. First, it is a simple drink that anyone can make. You only need a few ingredients, most of which you can easily find at your local store.

Second, it tastes great! The sweet and spicy flavors create a warm hug in a mug. Each sip brings the rich taste of apples complemented by spices like cinnamon and cloves.

Third, it’s a drink that can bring family and friends together. You can share it during holidays, parties, or simply as a comforting treat. The warm smell of cider fills the air and creates a cozy atmosphere.

Lastly, you can customize this recipe to suit your taste. Want it sweeter? Just add a bit more sugar or syrup. Do you prefer different spices? You can mix and match as you like. This means every time you make it, it can taste just a little different, which makes it fun!

HOW TO MAKE Easy Mulled Apple Cider

Making easy mulled apple cider is straightforward. You have two main methods to prepare it: the stovetop method and the crockpot method. Both are easy and result in a delicious drink.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

1. Medium-sized saucepan (for stovetop method)
2. Slow cooker or crockpot (for slow cooker method)
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Cutting board and knife
5. Mugs for serving
6. Wooden spoon for stirring

Ingredients You’ll Need :

• 6 cups fresh apple cider or unfiltered apple juice
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise (optional)
• 4 cloves
• 1 sliced orange
• 1 sliced lemon (optional)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar or maple syrup (optional)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

Stovetop Method:

1. Take a medium-sized saucepan and pour in 6 cups of fresh apple cider or apple juice.
2. Add 3 cinnamon sticks, 2 star anise, and 4 cloves to the pot.
3. Slice an orange and add the slices to the cider. If you like, you can also slice a lemon and add that too.
4. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it just starts to bubble, but do not let it boil rapidly.
5. Once it’s bubbling, cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to very low. Let it simmer for 30 minutes.
6. After simmering, taste the cider. If you want it sweeter, add a tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup.
7. Taste again and add more sugar or syrup if necessary until you reach your desired sweetness.
8. Serve the cider in mugs and garnish with additional orange slices and star anise.

Crock Pot / Slow Cooker Method:

1. In a slow cooker, combine 6 cups of fresh apple cider or apple juice, 3 cinnamon sticks, 2 star anise, and 4 cloves.
2. Slice an orange and add the slices to the slow cooker. You can also add sliced lemon if desired.
3. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 2 to 2.5 hours.
4. After the cooking time, taste the cider.
5. If you want it sweeter, add a tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup and stir.
6. Taste again and add more sugar or syrup if needed until it is sweet enough for you.
7. Once ready, serve the cider in mugs and garnish with orange slices and star anise.

 

HOW TO SERVE Easy Mulled Apple Cider

Easy mulled apple cider is best served warm. Pour it into mugs, and for an extra touch, add a slice of orange and a star anise as a garnish. You can also decorate the mugs with cinnamon sticks, which makes it look very festive and inviting. This drink pairs wonderfully with cookies, muffins, or sweet pastries, making it ideal for gatherings or cozy family nights.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Easy Mulled Apple Cider

If you have leftovers, you can store the easy mulled apple cider. Let it cool to room temperature before pouring it into an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

As for freezing, it is not recommended to freeze apple cider, as the texture and flavor may change upon thawing. It’s best to make a fresh batch when you’re craving it.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

You can serve easy mulled apple cider on its own or pair it with different snacks and meals. Here are some ideas:

• Serve it alongside a platter of cheeses and crackers.
• It goes well with baked goods like apple pie, pumpkin bread, or cookies.
• Offer it at holiday gatherings with roasted meats or festive dishes.
• For a fun twist, serve it as a warm topping for vanilla ice cream.

VARIATIONS

This easy mulled apple cider recipe can be adjusted to fit your taste. Here are some ideas:

• Add more fruits: You can add other fruits like cranberries or pears for more flavor.
• Change the spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger.
• Make it a cocktail: Add a splash of rum or whiskey for a grown-up version.
• Sweeten it differently: Use honey or agave syrup instead of brown sugar.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought apple juice instead of apple cider?

Yes, you can use store-bought apple juice if fresh cider is not available. It will still taste good!

How long does it take to make easy mulled apple cider?

It takes about 30 minutes to simmer on the stove. If using a slow cooker, plan for 2 to 2.5 hours.

Is it okay to make this cider ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time. It’s a great drink to prepare for gatherings.

Can I leave out any spices?

Absolutely! If you do not like a certain spice, feel free to leave it out or substitute it with something you prefer.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy Mulled Apple Cider

If you want to prepare easy mulled apple cider ahead of time, you can do so in several ways:

1. Prep your ingredients: Slice your fruits, gather your spices, and store them together in a container. This makes it quick to toss everything in when you’re ready to cook.
2. Make it the night before: You can prepare the cider the night before your gathering. Simply reheat it on the day of serving.
3. Use a slow cooker on warm: If you have a long gathering, set up your slow cooker in the morning. Prepare the cider early and keep it warm for guests.

These tips will help ensure you can enjoy easy mulled apple cider without a lot of last-minute work, making your gatherings more relaxing and enjoyable!

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