📝 From June’s Journal
When the air turns cool, the scent of warm spices quickly pulls people into the kitchen. For me, this hot mulled cider is the fall go-to. This Hot Mulled Cider Recipe is simple and fragrant, and it is also easy to share with friends after a short drive to the orchard. Additionally, whether you make a small pot on the stove or instead keep a slow cooker going for guests, I hope it fills your home with comfort.
— June
🍎 Sweet & Spiced Hot Mulled Cider Recipe
A fall favorite from June’s kitchen
🌾 A Note from June about this Hot Mulled Cider Recipe
As soon as the first cinnamon stick hits the pot, I open a window so the breeze carries the scent through the house. Then I put on a calm playlist, slice an orange, and set out a few mugs. Little rituals like these also turn a simple drink into a moment. Finally, once everyone takes that first sip, the smiles say it all. ☺️
Hot Mulled Cider Recipe Ingredients
For the cider
- 8 cups fresh apple cider (unfiltered if you can find it)
- 1 medium orange, sliced into rounds
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 4 slices fresh ginger, about ¼ inch thick
- 3 whole allspice berries or ¼ tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup, to taste
- Pinch of fine salt
Optional add-ins
- 1 whole star anise
- 2 strips lemon peel
- Adults only: ½ cup bourbon, dark rum, or apple brandy (add at the end)
Hot Mulled Cider Recipe Instructions
Prep the pot
First, add the cider, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, allspice, vanilla, and a pinch of salt to a medium pot. Then set it over medium heat until tiny bubbles appear at the edges. Finally, keep the heat below a boil to preserve a bright, smooth flavor.
Think gentle steam, not a rolling boil. 🍯
Steep and sweeten
Next, lower the heat to maintain a bare simmer. Then steep for 15 to 20 minutes. After that, taste and adjust the sweetness with brown sugar or maple, adding one tablespoon at a time until it feels balanced.
Follow your nose. If it smells right, it usually tastes right. 👃
Finish and serve
Finally, strain into a heatproof pitcher or ladle straight from the pot. For an adults-only version, stir in the bourbon, rum, or brandy off the heat. Next, pour into warm mugs and finish with a cinnamon stick or an orange half-moon.
Golden steam = cozy perfection. ✨
Hot Mulled Cider Recipe Slow Cooker Method
Alternatively, if you prefer a hands-off approach, add everything to a 3- to 4-quart slow cooker. Then cook on Low for 2 to 3 hours, and afterward switch to Warm for serving. Next, sweeten to taste at the end. Finally, if using alcohol, stir it in just before serving.
Great for open-door afternoons and game days. 🏈
June’s Hot Mulled Cider Recipe Tip: Make It Ahead
You can make the cider up to 24 hours in advance. First, let it cool; then strain and refrigerate. When you are ready to serve, rewarm gently over low heat. Meanwhile, leftovers keep for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why This Hot Mulled Cider Recipe Works
First, whole spices infuse slowly, so the flavor stays bright and smooth. Then, orange adds gentle citrus, ginger adds warmth, and a touch of vanilla rounds the finish. As a result, because the heat stays low, the cider does not turn bitter.
Serving Ideas
- Set out plain cake donuts, cheddar cheese, or shortbread for easy pairings.
- Offer a tiny toppings tray with extra citrus, star anise, and maple syrup.
- For a crowd, keep a ladle in the slow cooker and let guests serve themselves.
Flavor Swaps
- Brighter: Use lemon peel in place of orange.
- Spicier: Add one more ginger slice and one extra clove.
- Silky: Stir in 1 tbsp butter at the very end.
- Chai-style: Add 3 cardamom pods and a pinch of black pepper.
Little FAQ
Can I use apple juice? Yes. Choose unsweetened juice and reduce the sugar. The result is lighter but still lovely.
How do I keep it warm? Use a slow cooker on Warm or a thermal carafe. Stir now and then for even flavor.
What is the difference between cider and juice? In the United States, cider is often unfiltered while juice is filtered and usually sweeter.
Cider vs. juice: For background on terms and history, see Britannica’s entry on cider: https://www.britannica.com/topic/cider
🍁 Final Sip
Immediately serve it while the steam curls up and the spices bloom. Then take a quick photo of that first mug. After all, cozy moments deserve a little spotlight. 📸
Finally! Planning a sip stop by state? Read our companion guide: National Hot Mulled Cider Day.
Where to Sip by State: https://whichstates.com/national-hot-mulled-cider-day/
