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Mulled Cider

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By Kristen Chidsey

5 from 13 votes

Updated Sep 30, 2025

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Nothing beats a warm mug of spiced mulled cider on a crisp fall day. The aroma of cinnamon, oranges, and apples makes your home instantly cozy. Even better when you trade out the spice packet for this simple mulled cider recipe made with wholesome ingredients!

Whether served after trick-or-treating, for a holiday celebration, or alongside a fall dinner, like pumpkin pasta or slow cooker pork roast with apples, Homemade Mulled Cider is the ultimate cozy drink.

Kristen's Keys for Mulled Cider

This mulled cider recipe is a bit unique. But a few additions work to enhance apple cider, creating a memorable, warming drink. For the best results, keep in mind the following:

• Fruit juice is the difference. Pineapple juice and cranberry juice add incredible depth and sweet, tart notes to the cider -- more flavor than any spice packet can deliver! Not to mention, no added sugar.
• Use whole spices. For rich flavor and easy removal before serving. The only exception is nutmeg. Grate whole nutmeg right into the cider to release flavor.
• Go low and slow. Whether in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, gentle simmering keeps the cider from turning bitter.

How to Make Mulled Cider

Think of this step-by-step guide as me in the kitchen with you. But I promise, this recipe is incredibly simple.

Step One: Make a Spice Sachet

Instead of tossing spices straight into the pot, bundle cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, and fresh ginger in a piece of cheesecloth or an unbleached coffee filter, then tie with kitchen twine. This makes cleanup a breeze.

Step Three: Mull Cider

My favorite way to prepare mulled cider is to use the slow cooker, since this method is completely hands-off and requires no monitoring. But feel free to use the stovetop method; just keep a close eye on the cider.

• Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
• Stovetop: Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer for 1-2 hours.

Step Four: Serve & Enjoy

Remove the spice sachet and fruit before serving. Ladle into mugs and enjoy warm.

For Spiked Mulled Cider: Stir in a splash of bourbon, whiskey, or brandy for the adults if desired.

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5 from 13 votes

Mulled Cider

By: Kristen Chidsey

Servings: 16

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 2 hours hrs

Total: 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

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This Mulled Cider recipe infuses apple cider with cranberry juice, pineapple juice, orange slices, fresh cranberries, and a homemade blend of mulling spices.

Video

Ingredients 

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• ▢ 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

Instructions 

Prepare Mulling Spices

• Place the cinnamon sticks, allspice, cloves, and ginger in the center of a piece of cheesecloth or an unbleached coffee filter. Gather the edges and tie them off with kitchen twine.

Slow Cooker Mulled Cider

• Place juice/cider, cranberry juice, 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, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, orange slices, cranberries, grated nutmeg, and mulling spices in a 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: Use fresh or frozen cranberries or omit them altogether.

Cranberry Juice: I recommend a 100% juice blend over a cranberry juice cocktail. 

Oranges: Instead of fresh orange slices, use ½ cup of orange juice.

Storage/Reheating: Let the cider cool, strain out the whole fruit and spices, then refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the mug in the microwave or in a stockpot over medium-low heat. 

Nutrition

Calories: 134kcalCarbohydrates: 33gSodium: 11mgPotassium: 299mgFiber: 1gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 10.3mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 0.5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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