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This mulled cider is absolutely amazing and will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside! There’s nothing more nostalgic than snuggling up during the cold, holiday season with a cozy blanket and some fresh mulled cider, preferably in front of a nice, warm fire. If you’ve never tried making your own cider from scratch, let me be the one to tell you it is so worth your time. The prep couldn’t be easier and the product is so incredibly satisfying. Making this will most definitely be a yearly tradition for me from here on out!
Want to make this recipe but don’t own a slow cooker?
Don’t worry! You can always simmer this on the stove or even use an Instant Pot! If cooking on the stove, add all ingredients to a stock pot, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 2 hours. If using an Instant Pot, use the Slow Cook setting and adjust time to 4 hours. I am biased towards using a slow cooker for this recipe because I think it brings out the best flavor and it’s an easy, hands-off method. Here’s a link to the one I use regularly: https://amzn.to/3uj1qu8
Below is a step-by-step guide to making this cider, with a full recipe summary and measurements at the bottom of the page.
Here’s an informational list of the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this mulled cider:
- Apples: For this recipe I used Honeycrisp apples, but you can substitute any kind of apples you prefer. This is a great fruit to include in your regular diet, as they are an excellent source of fiber and Vitamin C and will keep your gut happy and healthy!
- Orange: I used a Navel orange, but again, any type of orange will work just fine! The reason we include an orange in this recipe is because the acidity from the citrus helps to balance out the sweetness of the apples. Oranges are another great source of Vitamin C and immune boosters!
- Cinnamon sticks: This widely loved comfort spice is actually great for your health and contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties.
- Whole cloves: Cloves are also high in antioxidants and help fight against cancer and disease.
- Star anise: These seeds are another source of medicinal properties with a wide range of health benefits. They are antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, as well as antibacterial.
- Whole cardamom: Just like all the other spices in this recipe, cardamom contains compounds that protect the body from cancer and disease and is also known to be a natural diuretic.
- Maple syrup: A great natural sweetener that adds a wonderful flavor and depth to this mulled cider.
Pro tip: I always try to buy my produce from the local farmer’s market because the quality of flavor makes a huge difference! Plus I love to support my community and the environment, and you can’t beat the piece of mind of knowing exactly where your food comes from. I encourage you to check out your local farms (if you haven’t already) and see what they have to offer!
Step 1:
Gather your apples and orange and get slicing! Luckily the preparation for this recipe is quick and easy. Don’t worry about all the size or shape of your slices since they will all cook down and get mashed up at the end.
Step 2:
Add all your ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Step 3:
Once the apples have cooked down, use a potato masher to mash them up. Then place a strainer over a large bowl, line it with a cheese cloth, and pour in the contents of the slow cooker. Remove the cinnamon sticks before straining to make it easier when squeezing the juice from the cheese cloth.
Step 4:
Allow the juice to strain naturally for half an hour to an hour while it cools, then squeeze out any remaining juice.
Now it’s ready to serve! This cider will keep in the fridge for up to one week. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove and drink up! Feel free to spike this cider with your favorite rum or bourbon if you’re feeling spicy.
Spiced Apple Cider
Equipment
- 1 Slow cooker (see notes for stovetop or pressure cooker method)
- Cheese cloth or fine mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 8-10 apples sliced
- 1 orange sliced
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole cardamom pods
- 1 1/2 tsp whole cloves
- 1 star anise
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Slice apples and orange.
- Add all ingredients to slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours.
- Mash apples with a potato masher.
- Place a strainer over a large bowl, line it with a cheese cloth, and pour in the contents of the slow cooker.
- Allow the juice to strain naturally while it cools for 30 mins to an hour. Then squeeze out any remaining juice.
- Store the cider in the fridge for up to a week and reheat before serving.
