Mulled Apple Cider Recipe ππ
Overview:
- Name: Mulled Apple Cider
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Description: What could be more warming on a cool autumn or winter night than hot apple cider, easily made and infused with exotic spices?
- Recipe Category: Punch Beverage
- Keywords: Beverages, Apple, Fruit, Very Low Carbs, Low Protein, Vegan, Low Cholesterol, Kid Friendly, Free Of…, Winter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, < 60 Mins, For Large Groups, Easy, Inexpensive
- Aggregated Rating: 5 β
- Review Count: 9
- Calories: 6.4 per serving
- Fat Content: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 27.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 1.6g
- Fiber Content: 0.4g
- Sugar Content: 0g
- Protein Content: 0.1g
- Recipe Servings: 16
- Recipe Yield: Variable (depending on mug size)
- Recipe Instructions:
- Tie small spices in a small cheesecloth and drop into the cider; allow cinnamon to just go on its own.
- Heat mixture on the stove and simmer for at least 30 minutes before serving, stirring occasionally to agitate the spices.
- Float orange slices on top of the cider.
- Pour into mugs and serve, with a cinnamon stick, if desired.
- Makes 1 gallon.
Ingredients:
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 2 whole allspice
- 2 whole cloves
- 5-6 cinnamon sticks
- Orange slices for garnish
Instructions:
- Begin by gathering your ingredients: apple cider, whole allspice, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, and optional orange slices for garnish.
- In a small piece of cheesecloth, tie together the whole allspice, whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks to create a spice bag. This will allow the flavors to infuse without leaving bits of spice in the cider.
- In a large pot, pour in the apple cider.
- Drop the spice bag into the cider, allowing the cinnamon sticks to gently float on their own.
- Place the pot on the stove over medium heat.
- Let the cider come to a gentle simmer, ensuring it doesn’t boil.
- Allow the cider to simmer for at least 30 minutes, allowing the spices to release their flavors and infuse the cider. Stir occasionally to agitate the spices and distribute the flavors evenly.
- While the cider simmers, you can prepare your garnishes. Slice oranges thinly to float on top of the cider when serving.
- After 30 minutes, the cider should be beautifully fragrant and infused with the warm spices.
- Remove the pot from the heat and discard the spice bag.
- Ladle the mulled apple cider into mugs, ensuring each serving gets a generous amount of spices.
- If desired, garnish each mug with a slice of orange and a cinnamon stick for stirring and added flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot, allowing the comforting aroma to fill the room and warm your guests’ hearts.
Serving Suggestions:
- Mulled apple cider is perfect for cozy autumn and winter gatherings, whether it’s a family dinner, holiday party, or simply a quiet night by the fire.
- Pair it with your favorite seasonal treats like cookies, pies, or savory snacks for a delightful and heartwarming experience.
- Consider setting up a “mulled cider bar” where guests can customize their cider with additional spices, citrus slices, or even a splash of rum or bourbon for the adults.
Tips:
- Don’t let the cider boil as it may cause it to become overly concentrated or lose its fresh flavor.
- Experiment with different spice combinations to suit your taste preferences. Add a star anise or cardamom pods for extra depth and complexity.
- For a sweeter cider, you can add a touch of honey or maple syrup during the simmering process.
- Leftover mulled cider can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Enjoy the comforting warmth and delicious flavors of this homemade mulled apple cider with friends and loved ones. It’s a festive and aromatic beverage that captures the essence of the season, making every sip a moment to savor and cherish. ππ
