If you’re looking for a delicious and cozy holiday drink, mulled cider is the perfect choice!

Mulled cider is a warm, spiced drink that’s steeped with spices like cinnamon and cloves and perhaps some citrus like lemon or orange. It’s popular during the fall and winter months as it’s delicious, nutritious, and comforting. Mulled cider is also commonly served at holiday gatherings and parties.

This spiced apple cider is infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice, creating a delightful blend of flavors.

If you want to make it an adult beverage, you can add an ounce of brandy or bourbon, or check out my mulled wine recipe—it’s also delicious.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to enjoy a comforting beverage at home, making mulled cider is easy and enjoyable.

Mulled Cider With Ground Spices:

Makes 4 servings; easily scaled up or down.

• 1 quart (4 cups) apple cider
• 1 cinnamon stick (or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground clove
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger (or (3-4) 1/2-inch slices of fresh ginger)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice, or 3-4 whole allspice berries
• Optional: 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar, to taste if your cider is tart and needs a little sweetener
• Optional garnishes:
  • 1 navel orange, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1 small apple or pear, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • whole cranberries
  • cinnamon sticks

Ingredient note: My family has always enjoyed this base recipe. See other options to add to your mulled cider recipe below.

Mulled Cider with Whole Spices:

• 1 quart (4 cups) apple cider
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3-4 whole cloves
• a few grates of nutmeg from a whole nutmeg
• 3-4 (1/2-inch) slices of fresh ginger
• 3-4 whole allspice berries
• Optional: 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar, to taste if your cider is tart and needs a little sweetener
• Optional garnishes:
  • 1 navel orange, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1 small apple or pear, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • whole cranberries
  • cinnamon sticks

Here’s a list of commonly used mulling spices for mulled cider

Note: I would not add all of these! Pick 3-4 that you love or have on hand:

• Cinnamon sticks – Add a warm, sweet, and slightly woody flavor.
• Whole cloves – Brings a pungent, sweet-spicy aroma.
• Star anise – Adds a licorice-like, aromatic sweetness.
• Allspice berries – Contributes a rich, slightly peppery, and clove-like flavor.
• Nutmeg – Provides a subtle, earthy sweetness when freshly grated. Whole nutmeg is too much for mulled cider, so if you have whole nutmeg, grate in a pinch instead of putting the whole nutmeg in.
• Orange peel (or slices) – Enhances the cider with a bright, citrusy note.
• Lemon peel (optional) – Adds a tangy, fresh flavor for balance.
• Cardamom pods – Introduces a floral, slightly herbal complexity (optional but lovely).
• Bay leaves – Offers a subtle, herbal earthiness (optional for depth).
• Ginger (fresh slices or dried) – Adds a gentle, warming spice and slight heat.
• Vanilla extract – Adds a gourmet flavor for an elegant touch.

How to Make Mulled Cider:

1. Combine all ingredients except the garnishes in a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until simmering.
2. Reduce the heat to low and barely simmer for 5 minutes, then turn off the heat and let spice infuse in the hot cider for another 10 to 15 minutes. The idea is to get the cider hot so the spices can infuse without letting it evaporate or reduce. (Don’t boil mulled cider—it will evaporate! Simmer low then keep warm.)
3. Stir in the honey or brown sugar to taste if using it.
4. Ladle into mugs (straining out any whole spices) and serve immediately. Garnish it with a fresh orange or apple slice, if desired. Enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Hot Mulled Apple Cider Recipe

• For a more intense flavor, let the cider sit overnight in the refrigerator with the spices before warming it up.
• Add 1 ounce of high-quality alcohol such as brandy, bourbon, or rum to each serving for an adult beverage twist.
• Garnish your mulled cider with cinnamon sticks, orange slices, or apple slices for an extra touch of visual appeal.
• Use unfiltered apple juice for a richer, more robust flavor and added fiber.
• A slow cooker or crock pot is ideal for keeping cider warm at a holiday gathering like Christmas.
• For smaller batches, a large pot or large saucepan works perfectly.
• Heat the cider over low heat to gently infuse the flavors without boiling off the liquid.
• If your cider has pulp or whole spices, make sure to strain before serving for a smooth, clear beverage.
• Let the cider steep for 10-15 mins for optimal spice infusion without over-reducing the liquid.
• Serve with garnishes like apple slices, orange slices, or a cinnamon stick for a festive toast.

These tips ensure your cider is perfectly spiced, flavorful, and ready to impress at any holiday celebration!

Why is it called mulled cider? In the context of mulled cider, “mulled” means to heat and flavor a beverage with spices. The word “mull” comes from the Middle English word “mollyn,” which means “to grind or powder.” This is because the spices used to mull cider were traditionally ground or powdered before being added to the cider instead of being left whole. Today, the word “mull” is often used more broadly to mean “to heat and flavor a drink with spices.” For example, you could say that mulled wine is a type of wine that has been mulled with spices.

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Making mulled cider at home is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of fall and create a cozy atmosphere in your space. So gather your ingredients and get ready to sip on this delightful spiced beverage.

Cheers to warm and comforting moments!