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    Homemade Mulled Cider

    Beverage Recipes Dairy-Free Recipes Instant Pot Plant Based Recipes Slow Cooker Recipes April 23, 2023 | By Kristen Chidsey | 14 Comments | *This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe
    Mulled Apple Cider is the absolute perfect fall beverage! Made with fresh oranges, cranberries, and spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, this recipe for Homemade Mulled Cider is better than any packaged blend of mulling spices and just as easy to make! You can prepare this Mulled Cider in the slow cooker, Instant Pot, or on the stove-top. 

    This recipe for Mulled Cider is made by infusing fresh apple cider with a homemade blend of mulling spices, creating the absolute perfect fall beverage!

    Mulled Cider is perfect to serve alone or to pair with Apple Crisp, Pumpkin Roll, or Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake, for a perfect fall dessert.

    Mulled Apple Cider in Slow Cooker with Oranges and Cranberries.


    Apple Cider alone is delicious, but mulled cider, spiked with cinnamon and nutmeg, is the absolute best!

    And while it is easy to purchase packaged mulling spices, homemade is the way to go for many reasons.

    Why Homemade Mulled Cider is the Best

    • Less Expensive. A package of mulling spices is typically between $4-10, depending on your location. And it is often nothing more than sugar and spices you have on hand. The cost of making it yourself, even accounting for adding in fresh cranberries and oranges, is less expensive than purchasing the packaged blends.
    • Naturally Sweetened. Instead of added sugars found in packaged mulling spices, this cider is naturally sweetened with the addition of pineapple juice. The pineapple juice not only adds natural sweetness but flavor as well.
    • Better Tasting. Instead of flavoring the mulled cider with dried oranges and dried spices, this recipe infuses the apple cider with fresh spices and fresh oranges to create the most delicious warm mulled cider.

    Notes on Ingredients

    This recipe for mulled cider is more than just sweetened, spiced cider. It is made with a combination of apple cider, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, fresh fruit, fresh ginger, and the perfect blend of spices. It is nuanced in flavor, naturally sweetened, and insanely delicious.

    Ingredients for mulled apple cider on white counter.
    • Apple Cider: I love fresh apple cider right from a local orchard, but of course, store-bought cider works as well.
    • Mulling Spices: For the best flavored mulled cider, I recommend a combination of cinnamon sticks, whole allspice berries, whole cloves, grated nutmeg, and sliced fresh ginger root. Feel free to add star anise to the cider if you like the licorice-like flavor.
    • Pineapple Juice: Pineapple juice adds just the right sweetness to this cider. You can certainly omit it, just keep in mind your mulled cider will not have as much dimension. Be sure to use 100% pineapple juice for the best flavor. NOT a blend of sweetened juice.
    • Cranberries: As the apple cider mulls, the cranberries soak up the delicious beverage and add a burst of freshness and a bit of tartness to the cider. They can easily be omitted. Frozen cranberries can be used in place of fresh cranberries as well. Dried Cranberries will NOT work as a substitute.
    • Cranberry Juice: The cranberry juice is not necessary but adds a nice tart contrast to the cider.
    • Oranges: It is best to use seedless, navel oranges. And be sure to wash them well before slicing.

    How to Make Mulled Cider

    Step One: Prepare Homemade Mulling Spices

    Instead of just placing whole spices right into the apple cider, I like to create a little sachet of the spices, so that once the cider has been infused, it is easy to fish out the sachet and discard it rather than trying to fish out the individual spices before serving the warmed mulled cider.

    • Place the whole spices and sliced ginger into an unbleached coffee filter or piece of cheesecloth and tie it with kitchen twine. It is as simple as that!
    Coffee filter with homemade mulling spices.

    Step Two: Mull the Cider

    My favorite way to prepare mulled cider is to use the slow cooker, as this method is completely hands-off with no monitoring. Plus your whole house will smell wonderful as the cider cooks.

    • Combine the cider, juices, cranberries, and orange slices in the slow cooker.
    • Nestle in the mulling spice sachet and add in the grated nutmeg.
    • Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
    • Remove and discard mulling spices and then turn the slow cooker to keep warm while serving.
    Mulled Apple Cider in slow cooker with fresh oranges and cranberries.

    Stovetop Directions

    Instead of mulling cider in the slow cooker, you can use the stovetop for quicker preparation.

    • Combine apple cider, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, cranberries, orange slices, freshly grated nutmeg, and spice sachet in a heavy-bottomed stock pan.
    • Bring to a boil and then turn to low and simmer on the stove for 1-2 hours. Be sure to simmer on low to keep the liquid from evaporating.

    Serving Suggestions

    Mulled Cider is best served warm as hot mulled cider. It is especially delicious on a cold evening paired with a slice of pumpkin cake or an applesauce muffin.

    You may also enjoy Spiked Mulled Cider, which is simply mulled cider mixed with alcohol. You can stir in a shot of alcohol, such as bourbon, whiskey, or brandy as desired.

    Storage Instructions

    If you happen to have any leftover Mulled Cider, allow it to cool, strain off the whole fruit and spices, and then refrigerate for up to 5 days. You want to remove the oranges and cranberries before refrigerating or you will risk the cider becoming bitter.

    Reheat by the glass or over low heat in the slow cooker or on the stove in a heavy-duty stock pan over medium-low heat.

    Recipe Modifications

    • Budget-Friendly Tip: Instead of apple cider, replace it with good quality, unfiltered apple juice. The apple juice is cooked low and slow with so many other flavors that no one will know it is not cider. Apple Juice can also be found year-round, while cider can be harder to locate past apple season.
    • No Whole Spices? If you do not have whole spices, you can replace them with ground spices, just keep in mind they may not dissolve into the cider, but will still flavor the cider. In place of the whole spices, use 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground allspice, â…› teaspoon ground cloves, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon ground ginger.

    More Holiday Beverages

    • Homemade Hot Chocolate
    • Mulled Wine
    • Peanut Butter Coffee
    • Coconut Milk Eggnog
    • Christmas Tea

    If you try this recipe, I would love for you to leave a comment below! I love to hear from you!

    Orange Pineapple Spiced Cider in slow cooker with oranges and cranberries

    Mulled Cider

    This recipe for Mulled Cider is made by infusing cider with cranberry juice, pineapple juice, orange slices, fresh cranberries, and a homemade blend of mulling spices, creating an absolutely perfect fall beverage!
    5 from 13 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 2 hours hours
    Total Time: 2 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 16
    Calories: 134kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • 2 cinnamon sticks
    • 1 inch fresh ginger root peeled and thinly sliced
    • 3 whole allspice berries
    • 4 whole cloves
    • ½ teaspoon fresh nutmeg grated
    • 1 gallon apple cider
    • 2 cups pineapple juice
    • ½ cup cranberry juice optional
    • 1 cup fresh cranberries
    • 1 orange thinly sliced
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    Prepare Mulling Spices

    • Using an unfiltered coffee filter or piece of cheesecloth, place cinnamon sticks, allspice, cloves, and ginger. Tie off with butcher twine. Be sure to use cheesecloth if preparing in Instant Pot.

    Slow Cooker Mulled Cider

    • Place juice/cider, pineapple juice, orange slices, cranberries, grated nutmeg, and mulling spices in the slow cooker.
    • Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Remove the bundle of spices and serve. 

    Stovetop Mulled Cider

    • Place juice/cider, pineapple juice, orange slices, cranberries, grated nutmeg, and mulling spices in heavy-bottomed stock pan.
    • Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 1-2 hours, watching closely. Remove spices and serve.

    Notes

    Cranberries: Feel free to omit the whole cranberries and/or cranberry juice. You can use fresh or frozen cranberries but do not use dried cranberries.
    Pineapple Juice: The pineapple juice is optional but does all dimension and sweetness to the cider. Be sure to use 100% pineapple juice for the best flavor. NOT a blend of sweetened juice. 
    Oranges: In place of fresh orange slices, feel free to use ½ cup of orange juice for a nice citrus note to the mulled cider. 
    Storage/Reheating: Allow the cider to cool, strain off the whole fruit and spices, and then refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat by the mug in the microwave or in a stock pan over medium-low heat. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 299mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 10.3mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 0.5mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!
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    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

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    1. Lydia

      December 01, 2022 at 3:47 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely amazing! It tastes great (hot or chilled) and it looks wonderful too! My new favorite beverage not just for the holidays, but for everyday. Thank you, mom!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        December 01, 2022 at 3:58 pm

        I am so glad you enjoyed the cider! Thanks for sharing.

        Reply
    2. Sally Thompson

      November 07, 2020 at 10:28 am

      Hi, Kristen:
      Did you mean to have the 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg grated twice in the recipe? I didn't see it listed in the ingredients to place in the spice bundle, just to add it grated directly into the juices.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        November 07, 2020 at 6:09 pm

        No, it should only be there once.. i will fix asap.

        Reply
    3. Melissa

      September 28, 2020 at 1:25 pm

      5 stars
      My favorite part of fall cider! Love your recipe!

      Reply
    4. Katie

      September 28, 2020 at 1:15 pm

      5 stars
      Looks so good! My family would love this.

      Reply
    5. Erin

      September 28, 2020 at 12:26 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, this recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving!

      Reply
    6. katerina @ diethood.com

      September 28, 2020 at 11:28 am

      5 stars
      I LOVE mulled cider! And this was incredibly delicious!!

      Reply
    7. Dini

      October 05, 2018 at 8:47 pm

      5 stars
      Pinning this mulled cider for later, looks really yummy!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        October 06, 2018 at 8:52 am

        Thanks so much Dini! I hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    8. Meagen Brosius

      October 05, 2018 at 8:10 pm

      5 stars
      I am always a fan of anything that I can dump into the crockpot and walk away from! I love that this is so festive and delicious for the holiday season!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        October 06, 2018 at 8:52 am

        It is the PERFECT drink to entertain with--as like you said, no need to fuss with it!

        Reply
    9. Heather Kinnaird

      November 29, 2016 at 10:09 am

      what a festive holiday drink. I really need to use my slow cooker for drinks more often

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        November 29, 2016 at 4:49 pm

        Thanks Heather!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Mulled Apple Cider is the absolute perfect fall beverage! Made with fresh oranges, cranberries, and spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, this recipe for Homemade Mulled Cider is better than any packaged blend of mulling spices and just as easy to make! You can prepare this Mulled Cider in the slow cooker, Instant Pot, or on the stove-top. 

    Meet Kristen

    Kristen Chidsey with apron on in front of vegetables in kitchen.

    Hi! I'm Kristen. It is my honor and passion to share easy, wholesome recipes with you to in turn share your loved ones. These tried and true recipes will help you make delicious, family-friendly meals without stress! Read more

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    Mulled Apple Cider is the absolute perfect fall beverage! Made with fresh oranges, cranberries, and spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, this recipe for Homemade Mulled Cider is better than any packaged blend of mulling spices and just as easy to make! You can prepare this Mulled Cider in the slow cooker, Instant Pot, or on the stove-top. 

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