Mulled apple cider with cinnamon

Hot apple cider (mulled cider) is the liquid embrace of winter evenings. The acidity and natural sugar content of the apple is the perfect carrier for warm spices. The secret here too lies in temperature: during slow heating, spice aromas permeate the drink via diffusion, without the apple freshness becoming 'stewed'.
🕒 Prep Time 5 mins
🍳 Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 20 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 160 kcal
🌍 Cuisine International

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Saucepan
  • Ladle

Instructions

1

Pour the cider into a saucepan, add the cinnamon, cloves, orange slices, and nutmeg.

Tip: Use whole spices (except nutmeg), because ground spices would make the drink cloudy and give a gritty texture.
2

Heat over low heat to boiling point, but do not boil! Just let it simmer gently.

Tip: Boiling would evaporate the alcoholic (if present) or aromatic components of the cider. The goal is to maintain a temperature around 70-80°C.
3

Turn off the heat, cover, and let stand for 10 minutes for flavours to meld.

Tip: This 'resting' (infusion) is the most important step: heat causes the spice cells to open and release essential oils.
4

Taste, and if necessary, sweeten with honey. Strain into mugs and serve hot.

Tip: Only add honey at the end so heat doesn't damage valuable enzymes (if that's a concern), and to gauge sweetness accurately.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Yes, for an alcohol-free version 100% unfiltered apple juice is perfect. In this case, omit the honey, as the juice is sweet enough on its own.

Ingredients

  • 1 l Cider (alcoholic) or unfiltered apple juice
  • 2 sticks Cinnamon
  • 4 whole Cloves
  • 1 Orange (sliced)
  • 2 tbsp Honey (optional, depending on sweetness of cider)
  • 1 pinch Ground nutmeg