Skip the Hot Chocolate: This Fall Special Mulled Cider is Season’s Ultimate Comfort!

The air grows crisp this fall season, and the world outside transforms into brown shades of vibrant autumn. There’s a certain comfort in wrapping your hands around a warm mug of mulled apple cider, as the inviting aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and fresh apples fills the room.

This delightful drink isn’t just a seasonal treat; it’s a heartfelt invitation to gather, reminisce, and savor the flavors of the fall season.

Growing up, my family would brew this cider during chilly evenings, and the scent would dance through our home, promising warmth and joy. Made with fresh apple cider simmered gently with spices, the result is a perfectly balanced blend of sweet and spiced flavors.

Picture that golden liquid, steaming and garnished with orange slices and a sprinkle of nutmeg—it’s autumn in a cup. Now tell me what could make a soft chilly season better than this fall special drink as you wait for Christmas.

Whether you’re serving it at holiday gatherings or enjoying a quiet evening by the fireplace, this mulled apple cider pairs beautifully with candy apples or a slice of salty marshmallow banana bread.

Let’s stir up some nostalgia and warmth together!

This image shows the final mulled cider served in a white mug, garnished with a cinnamon stick and an orange slice on top, ready for drinking.

Mulled Apple Cider

Warm and comforting, mulled apple cider is the perfect fall drink. Infused with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus, this spiced beverage fills your home with a cozy aroma and brings a touch of sweetness and warmth to chilly days.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Cocktails and Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 16 people
Calories 117 kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven
  • Ladle
  • mugs

Ingredients
  

  • 1  small navel orange, sliced
  • 1 tbsp whole cloves
  • 1 gallon apple cider
  • 2 tsp allspice berries
  • 3 star anise pods
  • 4 cinnamon sticks

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over high heat.
    This image shows all the ingredients combined in a large Dutch oven on high heat, beginning to bubble as they mix together.
  • Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low.
    this image shows apple cider being cooked on low heat
  • Let it gently simmer for about 15 minutes, avoiding a full boil.
    This image shows the Dutch oven with the heat reduced to low, gently simmering the mulled cider without reaching a full boil.
  • Ladle into mugs and enjoy warm.
    This image shows someone ladling the mulled cider from the Dutch oven into mugs, the warm liquid steaming as it fills each mug.

Notes

  • Keep the cider on low heat if serving over time to maintain warmth without overcooking.
NutritionValue
Calories117 kcal
Carbohydrates29 g
Protein0.4 g
Vitamin A30 IU
 Vitamin C8 mg
Iron0.4 mg
Sugar24 g
Calcium37 mg

Perfect Pairings For Mulled Apple Cider!

Helpful Tip For You!

Tip 1: For a Cozy Twist

Add a splash of bourbon to your mug for a spiked version that adds a warm, rich depth to the cider. Perfect for chilly evenings in the fall!

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Archie Johnson

Hi! I’m Archie Johnson

Archie Johnson is a San Diego-born home cook who turns her kitchen into a playground of flavors. With a passion for California's vibrant food scene and a knack for creating delicious, approachable recipes, she's on a mission to show that great cooking is about joy, not perfection.

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