Spiked Mulled Apple Cider

If you are going to warm up with one drink this winter make it comforting Spiked Mulled Apple Cider full of warm spices and a hint of orange. 

Spiked Mulled Apple Cider from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen

I’m officially deeming it hot beverage season.  The words winter weather warnings and polar vortex have come out of my mouth too many times to mention and it’s not even technically winter yet.

It’s not right I tell you, not right! I’m so not ready for another winter like last year. Between the snow and the extreme cold I felt like I squirreled away inside my apartment for 4 months only to emerge to leave for work.

This year I’m prepared, not by bundling up with warmer clothes or even a new winter jacket.  No I’m prepared with some warming beverages to heat me up even when the wind chill is bringing temperatures down to below zero.

Spiked Mulled Apple Cider- girlinthelittleredkitchen.com

I used to never be a fan of hot beverages except tea and hot chocolate but at some point last year during the deep freeze I gave in and ordered a hot cider at one of the local bars in my neighborhood.

Well I can say that clearly I was missing out for a long time because it completely hit the spot when you don’t want one of the drinks listed above.

This cider is sweet but not overly so with most of it coming from those ripe apples that were pressed to make the cider.  Warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove simmer away to make your home smell amazing.  This really is the perfect holiday or winter drink.  I suggest keeping it unspiked until you pour yourself a glass, that way the under 21 crowd can enjoy a taste for themselves as well.

As for the spiking? I’m leaving it up to you, my preference is bourbon but an apple brandy would rev up the apple flavor and spiced rum would compliment your mulling spices.  What’s your preference?

Spiked Mulled Apple Cider
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Ingredients

  • 12 ounces local apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 4 strips orange zest
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 whole star anise
  • 1/2 teaspoon whole clove
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon grated cardamom
  • 3 ounces liquor of choice: Bourbon, Apple Brandy or Spiced Rum

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat combine everything but the liquor and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat and let simmer over a low flame for 20-25 minutes.
  2. Pour the cider into a fine mesh sieve set over a bowl to filter out the spices and zest and divide between two mugs.
  3. Stir in 1 1/2 ounces of your liquor of choice in each of the mugs.
  4. Serve with a garnish of cinnamon stick and orange slice.
  5. Variations: If you want mull an entire half gallon of cider, place it in a large saucepan with 1/2 cup brown sugar, strips of zest from 2 oranges, 6 cinnamon sticks, 3 star anise, 2 teaspoon whole clove, 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg and 1 teaspoon grated cardamom. You could leave it to stay warm in your slow cooker over the course of the evening and just add the 1 1/2 ounces of liquor to each 6 ounce serving of cider.
https://girlinthelittleredkitchen.com/2014/11/spiked-mulled-apple-cider/

 Spiked Mulled Apple Cider- The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen

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18 thoughts on “Spiked Mulled Apple Cider

  1. Pingback: Spiked Mulled Apple Cider | 4theloveofcocktails

  2. Nancy @ gottagetbaked

    Mmmm…hot mulled apple cider is the best! There’s something so wonderfully festive ‘n Christmas-y about it. I especially love buying a cup and feeling its warmth through my gloves as I walk around on a cold, wintery day. It probably wouldn’t do enough to keep you warm during the polar vortex though – thankfully I don’t have to deal with that in Vancouver! Sorry to rub it in 😉

    Reply

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