This mulled apple cider with warm Fall spices will warm you up on even the coldest days. This mulled cider is so easy to make and the mulling spices ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. You will want to cozy up to this warm drink anytime the temperature drops!

This recipe for cider is what I learned to make when I lived in New England and it is a favorite recipe we continue to make today.

This easy warm apple drink is a symbol of all the flavors of fall. It is full of warm fall spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg and is so comforting.

An added bonus when making this warm cider is your home will smell wonderful with the apple and cinnamon scent filling it with a beautiful aroma. Once the temps drop, this is the drink you need to make!

Enjoy this cider any way you like but just make sure to make it!

What you will need

Cider

Apple Cider: Apple cider is different than apple juice. Make sure to look for cider.

Mulling Spice Recipe

Cinnamon sticks: Using whole cinnamon sticks makes it easier to remove after the mulling.
Whole cloves. This adds such warmth.
Orange peel: Just the peel which has the oil of the orange.
Star anise. Not only is it pretty but this spice adds such a warming Fall note.
Any of your favorite Fall spices! Make this your own by adding in your favorite Fall spices.

How to make mulled apple cider

Making this is so easy. It is just adding the ingredients into a pot. Here are the steps (full recipe below):

Pour apple cider into a pot: Pour your cider into a large pot over the stove. You can use your slow cooker as well. Make sure you are using store-bought apple cider (not apple juice).
Adding mulling spices: Here you are going to add your Fall spices to the pot. You will want to use whole spices and not powdered.
Warm: Cook it on low over your stovetop for about an hour and that is it!

Recipe Tip: You will start to see apple cider in your grocery stores (or at the apple orchards) around the start of the Fall season. If you have extra leftover from this recipe, you can make apple cider oatmeal with it so there is no waste!

Tips

Using the slow cooker: You can make this in the slow cooker and it comes out great. Just set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 1-2 hours. Make sure to check it periodically to be sure it is not evaporating too much.
Do not use powdered spices: You want to be able to serve this drink without any bits in it. By using whole spices you can remove them before serving without it getting into your drink.
Make it your own: These are my favorite spices that are in the mulled cider recipe but you can definitely adjust this to suit your preference. This is your drink!
Serve this warm or hot: If you have young kids, make sure to serve this warm and not hot.

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5 from 19 votes

Mulled Apple Cider (Easy Recipe)

This hot mulled apple cider with warm Fall spices will warm you up on even the coldest days.

Prep Time5

Cook Time30

Total Time35

Servings: servings

Author: Melissa Oleary

Ingredients

1 gallon store bought apple cider not apple juice.
2 cinnamon sticks
2 tablespoon whole cloves or to taste
1 orange peel cut into strips
1 star anise whole
1 piece of cheese cloth You can omit this but just make sure to skim the spices out at the end before serving

Instructions

In a large stock pot add all of your apple cider and turn the heat to medium.
1 gallon store bought apple cider
Take your cheesecloth if using and wrap all of your spices (except orange peels) in it and tie it closed with some kitchen twine. If you do not have these things then just make sure you skim the spices out of the cider at the end of mulling.
2 cinnamon sticks, 2 tablespoon whole cloves, 1 star anise whole, 1 piece of cheese cloth
Now add your spices and orange peel to your pot of cider
1 orange peel
Once your cider starts to show steam coming off the top, turn heat to low and simmer for at least 30 minutes. I like to keep it on the stove for a few hours to scent up the house but you will loose some of the cider with evaporation.
Once your cider has been cooking for 30 minutes or so, ladle out into mugs, and enjoy.

Notes

Mulled cider in the slow cooker

You can make this mulled apple cider in the slow cooker and it comes out great. Just set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 1-2 hours. Make sure to check it periodically to be sure it is not evaporating too much.

Alcohol that goes with mulled cider

If you are looking to make a mulled cider with alcohol all you need to do is add the alcohol to the cider at the time of serving. Whiskey and rum are great additions

Nutrition