Mulled Cider

Mulled cider is a beverage which is made by heating apple cider along with various spices and sometimes, sugar too. Though apple cider is the main ingredient in this beverage, some people make use of apple juice, thinking both these things are the same. However, it is not so, rather the apple juice is a clear and filtered drink, while the apple cider is darker and unfiltered. When apple cider is mulled, the drink has a tangy flavor, while the ones made with apple juice is sweeter than the former. Some people are said to add a little apple cider vinegar to the drink, if it is made with apple juice. Apart from cider, there are people who add citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, etc. in their drink to make it tangier. Apart from this, what gives a unique taste to the drink are the mulled spices which include nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice and cloves. Some people, also make use of premade pumpkin pie spice while making it. However, most people think that making mulled cider at home is a difficult task. Nevertheless, this is not true, rather it is actually very easy to make mulled apple cider from scratch.

How to Make Mulled Cider

It can actually be made in a variety of ways. While the mulled cider made in certain countries are alcoholic drinks, there are also some mulled cider recipes that are meant for young children. So, if you find the mulled cider an interesting drink, here are some recipes with which you can make this drink at home.

Simple Mulled Cider

Ingredients

• 1/2 gallon apple cider
• 1 orange, quartered
• 5 whole cloves, grounded
• 1 inch fresh ginger
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 1/8 teaspoon allspice
• 1-2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, grounded

Preparation

In an aluminum pan, take apple cider and begin heating it on medium heat. Add lemon and oranges into it, followed by the spices including ginger, allspice, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg and cloves. Allow the mixture to boil rapidly and then, heat on a low flame for 15 minutes. After this, you can strain the mixture and pour them into serving mugs. More on homemade apple cider recipe.

Mulled Cider with Alcohol

Ingredients

• 32 ounces apple cider
• 4 ounces dried cranberries
• 1 cinnamon stick
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup honey
• 4 ounces brandy
• 1 orange
• 6-8 whole cloves

Preparation

Take the apple cider in an aluminum saucepan and place it on the stove on a very low heat. Meanwhile, take the orange and cut off its zest. Pound the zest a little so that it releases some of its aromatic oils. After this is done, add the zest to the apple cider which is being heated up. Then, add all the other ingredients including cinnamon stick, cloves, honey, brandy, dried cranberries and vanilla extract into the saucepan. Continue to heat the mixture on a very low heat, however, make sure that you stir it occasionally. When the mixture becomes very hot, you can transfer it into drinking mugs and serve hot.

Mulled Cider in Microwave

Ingredients

• 32 ounces apple cider
• 4 ounces water
• ½ teaspoon whole allspice
• 1½ cup cranberry juice
• 1 stick cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon whole cloves

Preparation

Another easy way of making this drink is by preparing it in the microwave. For this, take apple cider and cranberry juice in a microwave friendly casserole and add whole allspice, cinnamon, water and cloves to it. Cover the casserole with its lid and place it in the microwave. Heat the mixture for 5-8 minutes on a high temperature. Strain the drink and pour it into different cups before serving.

These are some of the recipes for making mulled apple cider. It is usually served warm and hence, is the best thing that one can drink on a chilly day. Moreover, it does not take too much effort to make it. So, try one of these recipes and enjoy the hot beverage.