It’s so simple to make and so good. Homemade mulled apple cider. The perfect accompaniment to your holiday celebrations. Sweet, spicy, warming and oh so cosy.
The smell of warm mulled cider filling the house is irresistible. This easy homemade mulled apple cider is ideal for autumn and winter gatherings — sweet, spicy and deeply comforting.
Serve it to guests as they arrive, enjoy it while sitting by a bonfire, or ladle it into mugs for a quiet evening at home. Best of all, it’s quick and simple to make.
Mulled Cider Recipe
Serves – 4 (easy to scale up — see the slow cooker method below for larger batches)
Prep Time – 5 minutes
Cook Time – approx 10 minutes
Total Time – 15 minutes
Equipment Needed To Make Mulled Cider
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
- Large saucepan (or crockpot / slow cooker)
- Sieve for straining
- Ladle for serving
- Cups or heatproof glasses
Mulled Cider Spices
For every 1.5 litres of cider use the following warming spice mix:
- 1 large cinnamon stick
- Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 star anise — use whole spices from the supermarket
- 6 whole cloves
You can also add a couple of allspice or juniper berries if you like for extra depth of flavour.
Mulled Cider Ingredients
Just a handful of ingredients for this seasonal drink:
- 1.5 litres of cider — apple cider works perfectly; cranberry-apple cider is festive and delicious too
- 2 thick slices of fresh orange
- 1 set of mulled cider spices — see the spice list above
How To Make Mulled Cider
Making mulled cider is wonderfully simple:
Step One – add the ingredients for hot apple cider to the saucepan
- Pour 1.5 litres of cider into a saucepan. Add the orange slices, cinnamon stick, a pinch of grated nutmeg, the cloves and star anise.
Step Two – simmer the mulled cider on the hob
- Warm gently over low heat — do not boil. Let the spices infuse for about 10 minutes or longer for a stronger flavour.
Step Three – serve your hot apple cider
- Ladle into mugs through a sieve to remove whole spices. Garnish with apple slices or apple-shaped cutouts for a pretty finish.
Loads more ideas for family celebrations here!
Cooks Note: To make floating apple decorations, thickly slice apples and use a small cookie cutter to cut star shapes.
Make Warmed Apple Cider Your Way…
- Try pear cider or flavoured apple ciders like apple & cranberry or apple & blueberry for different profiles.
- Add juniper berries for a piney note, or fresh ginger for an earthier taste (especially good in alcohol-free versions).
- For a festive presentation, serve cranberry cider with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
- Add a shot of brandy, whisky, bourbon or rum if you prefer a boozy version.
- To make it alcohol-free, use apple juice and mull it with the same spices; a thumb of fresh ginger works well here.
Make Mulled Apple Cider In The Slow Cooker
For larger gatherings, use a slow cooker to keep cider warm all day.
Ingredients for 6 litres – party batch
- 6 litres apple or cranberry cider
- 6 slices of fresh orange
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- 8 star anise
- 24 whole cloves
How to make mulled cider in the slow cooker
- Pour the cider into the slow cooker.
- Add the orange slices and mulling spices.
- Heat on low for 8–10 hours to allow flavours to develop.
- Strain before serving to remove whole spices.
Get more alcohol drinks recipes here
What Food To Serve With Mulled Cider
Sausages, pork dishes and rich baked goods pair beautifully with cider.
- Pulled Pork – slow-cooked in a smoky BBQ sauce and served in toasted brioche rolls.
- Sausage Rolls – flaky pastry filled with seasoned sausage meat and optional cheese & chutney.
- Ultimate Sausage Sandwich – sausages with caramelised onions, rocket and Parmesan on toasted bread.
More Warming Winter Drinks To Try
- Mulled wine – a classic, festive pot to simmer on cold evenings.
- Salted caramel hot chocolate – a decadent treat with a caramel twist.
- Peanut butter hot chocolate – rich and creamy, perfect for snuggling up.
- Baileys Hot Chocolate – an indulgent adult chocolate drink for winter nights.
- Hot Vimto – a fruity, warming beverage to wrap your hands around.
Get more easy Christmas recipes here
Save this warming apple cider recipe to Pinterest for later!
Loads more ideas for Christmas celebrations here!
We hope you enjoy this hot mulled cider. When you make it, tag us with your photos on social media: @daisiesandpieUK on Twitter or @daisiesandpie on Instagram.
Find more meal ideas and easy recipes on our site.
Your friends at Daisies & Pie advise you to drink responsibly.