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Cozy Mulled Apple Cider Recipe: Best Easy Homemade

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This cozy mulled apple cider with cinnamon and star anise is a warm, spiced drink that fills your home with comfort. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, ideal for gatherings or quiet nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ gallon (8 cups) apple cider
  • 1 large orange, sliced into rounds
  • 4 to 5 cinnamon sticks (about 3 inches each)
  • 3 whole star anise pods
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves (about 8 to 10 cloves)
  • 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced into thin rounds
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: thin apple slices, extra cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, or a drizzle of honey

Instructions

  1. Combine the Base: Pour the ½ gallon (8 cups) of apple cider into a large pot or Dutch oven. Place over medium heat and warm for about 2 minutes.
  2. Add the Aromatics: Toss in the orange slices, 4 to 5 cinnamon sticks, 3 whole star anise pods, 1 teaspoon of whole cloves, and the sliced ginger. Stir gently.
  3. Sweeten It Up: Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey. Stir to combine. Taste and add the remaining tablespoon if desired.
  4. Bring to a Gentle Simmer: Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle simmer (small bubbles, not a rolling boil). Immediately reduce heat to low.
  5. Let It Steep: Cover the pot and let simmer on low for at least 30 minutes, ideally 45 minutes to 1 hour. For best flavor, up to 2 hours, adding a splash of water or cider if it reduces too much.
  6. Taste and Adjust: After 30 minutes, taste and adjust sweetness or spice as needed. Simmer longer if more spice is desired.
  7. Strain (Optional): For a clear cider, pour through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl or pitcher. For a rustic look, fish out large pieces with a slotted spoon.
  8. Serve and Garnish: Ladle into heatproof mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, star anise pod, or thin apple slice. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh whole spices and simmer low and slow. Avoid boiling to prevent bitterness. The cider can be made in a slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours. For a spiked version, add ½ cup dark rum, bourbon, or brandy after removing from heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: mulled apple cider, cozy drink, fall recipe, cinnamon, star anise, homemade cider, warm beverage

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/cozy-mulled-apple-cider-recipe-best-easy-homemade/