5 from 18 votes
Mulled Cider
This Mulled Cider recipe gently simmers apple cider with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, coriander, peppercorns, and orange zest. After toasting the spices and infusing the cider with their aroma and flavor, brandy is added to enrich the drink with a warming kick and depth. The resulting beverage is fragrant, lightly spiced, and lightly sweetened, offering a comforting cup perfect for cooler weather or gatherings.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings:
12
servings (1 cup each)
Calories:
166 kcal
Course:
Drinks
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 cinnamon stick broken into pieces (see note 1)
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns cracked, whole
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds cracked
- 7 whole cloves
- 2 quarts apple cider (see note 2)
- 4 (3-inch) strips orange zest
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar plus more, to taste (see note 3)
- 16 ounces brandy (see note 4)
- Orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, toast cinnamon stick pieces, peppercorns, coriander seeds, and cloves, shaking occasionally until fragrant, about 1 to 3 minutes.
- To the saucepan, slowly add cider, orange zest, and sugar. Simmer until flavors meld, about 30 minutes. Using a wide shallow spoon, skim any foam that may come to the surface.
- Prepare a fine mesh strainer with a coffee filter or a triple layer of cheesecloth and place over large bowl. Strain mixture through prepared strainer. Discard solids. Return cider mixture to saucepan and stir in brandy. Serve in mugs with orange slices for garnish.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Toast whole spices first to enhance their aroma before adding cider.
- You can contain spices in a sachet or tea ball to ease straining and cleanup.
- Adjust brown sugar quantity to your taste based on cider sweetness.
- Substitute brandy with bourbon or spiced rum if desired.
- Refrigerate leftovers up to one week and gently reheat before serving.
- Garnish with orange wheels or cinnamon sticks as preferred.
- Crack peppercorns and coriander seeds inside a plastic bag for controlled breakage.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1cup
Calories
166kcal
(8%)
Carbohydrates
19g
(6%)
Protein
1g
(2%)
Fat
1g
(2%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Sodium
7mg
(0%)
Potassium
159mg
(3%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
16g
(32%)
Vitamin C
2mg
(2%)
Calcium
16mg
(2%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 12 servings (1 cup each)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 166
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cup | |
| Calories | 166kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 19g | 6% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 7mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 159mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 16g | 32% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 16mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.