Mulled Apple Cider

Fall is best captured by Mulled Apple Cider, whose rich, spicy warmth calls for coziness on frigid days. This fragrant blend, infused with cloves, cinnamon, and allspice, provides a symphony of tastes honoring the abundance of the season. It’s a celebratory custom that should be enjoyed and shared, not just a beverage.

Tasting Notes

The Mulled Apple Cider offers a symphony of flavors, combining the natural sweetness of apple juice with the warmth of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus. The spices create a comforting aroma that fills your home, making each sip a soothing and festive experience.

Ingredients

• 1 gallon (128 fl oz) of apple cider
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 6 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon whole allspice
• Optional: 1-2 inches of fresh ginger, sliced

Kitchen Equipment

• Large pot or slow cooker
• Ladle
• Mugs or heat-resistant glasses
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for straining

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot or slow cooker, pour the apple cider. Add the orange slices, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and ginger if using.
2. Simmer: Heat the mixture over medium-low heat until it reaches a gentle simmer. Be careful not to boil to preserve the fresh flavor of the cider.
3. Infuse Flavors: Allow the cider to simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse their flavors into the liquid. Stir occasionally.
4. Strain: After simmering, use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the spices and orange slices, ensuring a smooth and clear mulled cider.
5. Serve: Ladle the mulled apple cider into mugs or heat-resistant glasses. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or an orange slice for a festive touch.

Pro Tips

• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the cider during the simmering process and adjust the sweetness by adding more brown sugar if desired.
• Personalize Spice Levels: Experiment with the spice quantities to tailor the flavor to your preference.

Variations

• Hard Cider Twist: For an adult version, add a splash of bourbon or rum to each serving.
• Apple Brandy Infusion: Substitute a portion of the cider with apple brandy for a spirited kick.

FAQs