Mulled Apple Cider

Mulled apple cider is warm, spiced, and fills the whole house with the scent of cinnamon and cloves — a cozy sipper for cold-weather holiday gatherings. Simmering whole spices with fresh orange slices infuses the cider slowly for maximum depth without any bitterness.

By YumYum Editorial · Holiday & Seasonal

Prep: 5 min · Cook: 30 min · Total: 35 min · Serves 8

Ingredients

• 1/2 gallon fresh apple cider
• 2 cinnamon sticks, plus extra for garnish
• 6 whole cloves
• 3 whole allspice berries
• 2 star anise pods
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar (optional, to taste)
• 2 oz bourbon or dark rum per serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, and star anise in a large pot.
2. Add the orange slices, reserving a few for garnish.
3. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat — do not boil, as this can make the cider taste flat.
4. Reduce heat to low and let the cider steep for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Taste and stir in maple syrup or brown sugar if a sweeter cider is desired.
6. Strain out the whole spices and orange slices using a fine-mesh strainer, or leave them in for a rustic presentation if serving from the pot.
7. Ladle into mugs, add a splash of bourbon or rum if desired, and garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick and orange slice.