Vanilla Bean Mulled Cider

Vanilla isn't just for sweet pastries. Its creamy, soft scent 'rounds off' the acidity of the apple, creating an incredibly silky, warming drink. It's like drinking liquid apple pie with custard.
🕒 Prep Time 5 mins
🍳 Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 20 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 180 kcal
🌍 Cuisine International

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Saucepan
  • Knife, chopping board
  • Sieve

Allergen Information

⚠️ Sulphur dioxide

Instructions

1

Split the vanilla pod lengthways and scrape out the black seeds with the back of a knife.

Tip: The essence of the flavour is in these tiny seeds.
2

Put the cider, vanilla seeds AND the scraped pod into the saucepan. Add the cinnamon, cloves, salt, and orange slices.

Tip: Plenty of flavour remains in the pod, it would be a shame to waste it.
3

Slowly heat up and keep simmering gently for 15 minutes.

Tip: Vanilla flavour compounds (vanillin) are more heat-resistant, but boiling is still not recommended due to the apple.
4

Remove from the heat and stir in the honey.

Tip: The roundness of honey pairs well with vanilla.
5

Strain the drink and serve warm.

Tip: The black specks (vanilla seeds) at the bottom are a sign of quality!

Recipe FAQ

Can I use vanilla flavouring?
Flavourings often taste artificial. If you don't have a pod, use good quality vanilla bean paste or extract, but the pod is the real deal!
What should I do with the scraped pod?
Wash it, dry it out, and put it in your sugar jar -> homemade vanilla sugar!

Ingredients

  • 1000 ml apple cider
  • 1 pc vanilla pod
  • 1 pc cinnamon stick
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1 pc orange
  • 5 pc cloves
  • 1 pinch salt