Description

A cozy, warm drink perfect for chilly mornings, made with apple cider and aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves. This simple recipe fills your kitchen with the comforting scent of fall.

Ingredients

Scale

1 quart (950 ml) apple cider
3 cinnamon sticks
6–8 whole cloves
4–5 allspice berries (optional)
1–2 star anise pieces (optional)
1 medium orange, sliced
2–3 tablespoons brown sugar, adjust to taste
1/2 cup (120 ml) water
1 small vanilla bean, split (optional)
1-inch slice fresh ginger (optional)
1/4 cup (60 ml) brandy or rum (optional, for adult version)

Instructions

Slice the orange into rounds and, if using, slice the fresh ginger. Measure out your spices and sugar.
Pour the apple cider and water into a large saucepan or pot.
Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, star anise, and orange slices. Add vanilla bean or ginger if using.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once steaming, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
Stir in the brown sugar, taste and adjust sweetness as needed. Add a splash more water if too strong. Simmer for another minute to dissolve sugar.
Remove the whole spices using tongs or a slotted spoon. Pour into mugs, garnish with an orange slice or cinnamon stick if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Use whole spices for best flavor and clarity; avoid ground spices to prevent cloudiness. Adjust sweetness based on the natural sweetness of your cider. For an adult version, add a splash of brandy, bourbon, or rum just before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat gently with a splash of water. Avoid freezing to preserve flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 6 minutes
Cook Time: 19 minutes
Category: Beverage
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
Calories: 90
Sugar: 22
Sodium: 10
Carbohydrates: 24
Fiber: 1

Keywords: mulled cider, hot apple cider, spiced cider, fall drink, cozy drink, non-alcoholic cider, holiday beverage