Mulled Cider
'Tis the season for comforting, warming drinks like this classic mulled cider recipe. It's just the thing to keep you warm all winter long!
Servings 8 servings
Calories 139kcal
Ingredients
- 2 whole navel oranges plus more for garnishes
- 2 tablespoons whole cloves
- ½ gallon apple cider
- ¼ cup lemon juice freshly-squeezed
- ¼ cup brown sugar to taste
- 4 sticks cinnamon plus more for garnishes
- 2 whole star anise plus more for garnishes
Instructions
- Slice one orange and set aside. Place cloves into the skin of the second orange.2 whole navel oranges, 2 tablespoons whole cloves
- In a dutch oven or large pot, stir together apple cider, lemon juice and brown sugar.½ gallon apple cider, ¼ cup lemon juice, ¼ cup brown sugar
- Add the clove-studded orange, orange slices, cinnamon sticks and star anise to the mixture.4 sticks cinnamon, 2 whole star anise
- Bring to a boil, then lower to a low simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, then reduce heat to low to keep warm, or transfer to a slow cooker on the "keep warm" setting.
- Serve in mugs and garnish with more orange slices, cinnamon sticks and star anise.
- Let cool completely before storing in a food-safe, airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Notes
Best spices: It is best to use whole spices for mulled cider. Ground spices just don't add the same flavor and will also settle in the bottom and create a grainy texture in your mulled cider. If you do use ground, plan to strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or coffee filter to remove the grounds.
Make-ahead instructions: Easily make mulled cider ahead of time, allow it to cool and then store in the fridge until needed. Just re-warm it on the stove or in your slow cooker.
Storage tips: Allow leftover mulled cider to cool completely before storing in a food-safe, airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy it within 1 week. Re-warm on the stove, on the stove or in the slow cooker.
Freezing cider: You can freeze mulled apple cider into ice cubes. Thaw and reheat to serve it again. Or add those ice cubes to cocktails or punch to keep it from getting diluted as it would with regular ice.
Nutrition
Serving: 8ounces | Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 264mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 0.4mg
