Mulled cider is the ideal cozy drink for cool weather! Here’s how to make it in a slow cooker or on the stove. Infused with mulling spices like cinnamon and cloves, everything is better with a mug in hand!
Why we love this recipe
Here’s a recipe for gray days and chilly evenings by the fire: mulled cider! Not only will it lift your spirits, it makes your entire kitchen smell like a candle shop. When Alex and I make it for friends, instantly everyone gathers around the pot, chattering and cupping their hands around the warm mugs.
Mulled cider is great for entertaining (like Thanksgiving and Christmas), since it makes a big batch. It’s easy to make on the stove or a slow cooker. As two cookbook authors, here our tried and true method!
What are mulled cider spices?
Mulled cider is made with whole spices, which infuse the entire drink with cozy flavor. If you taste straight apple cider, you’ll find the flavor is crisp and apple forward. But after simmering with mulling spices, the flavor blossoms into something warm and spiced.
Because dried and ground spices end up making the drink cloudy, you’ll use whole spices when simmering. Mulled cider spices include:
- Cinnamon sticks
- Cloves
- Allspice berries
- Whole nutmeg
- Star anise
Star anise is the most unique of all these mulled cider spices. It’s star-shaped and is available at most grocery stores. If you can’t find it, you can also buy star anise online.
Tips for making the best mulled cider
Mulled cider isn’t rocket science, but there are a few things to keep in mind when making this drink! Here’s what makes the flavor top-notch:
- Toast the spices first. Toasting the spices for a few minutes in the pot or a skillet helps to release even more of their flavor during the simmering time.
- Garnish last. If you cook mulled cider with fruit like orange slices and apple slices, they’ll fall to the bottom and the color will fade. Instead, use them as a garnish after cooking: it looks beautiful for serving!
- Strain if desired. Some brands of apple cider have some particulate in the bottom of the jug. This is completely expected! You can strain off any particulate that rises to the top, or just stir to re-incorporate it.
3 methods: stovetop, slow cooker or Instant Pot
There are a few different ways to make mulled cider: each have pros and cons! Here’s a breakdown:
- Stovetop method: The quickest! Only takes 1 hour. The only thing is you’ll have to watch to make sure that it stays on the lowest warming setting: it shouldn’t even come to a simmer.
- Slow cooker method: Takes 3 hours. Totally hands off, it’s great for times when you can throw ingredients in the slow cooker while you prep other foods. Also, you can leave it on the warm setting and serve it right out of the Crock Pot.
- Instant Pot method: Same advantages as above! Use this version if you have a pressure cooker and not a slow cooker.
Variation: spiked mulled cider
This mulled cider is fabulous on its own, but you can step it up by stirring in rum after simmering. The rum adds a bit of warmth and takes it to another level. Spiked mulled cider is the a perfect party drink!
If you’re serving a party where not everyone is drinking, you could also leave out the rum and let guests add a splash to their own drinks. The quantity in the recipe below adds only ½ tablespoon rum per glass—so all you need is a small swig!
More cozy drinks
Looking for more cozy drinks like this one? There are so many great fall cocktails and winter drinks to try:
- Try homemade hot chocolate with rich chocolaty flavor, or go for peppermint hot chocolate, spiked hot chocolate, Baileys or Kahlua hot chocolate
- This cozy apple cider sangria pairs sparkling apple cider with red wine, orange and cinnamon.
- An apple cider mimosa is the perfect winter or fall brunch cocktail.
- Try mulled wine: simmer red wine with orange zest, cloves, cinnamon sticks, allspice and honey.
Dietary notes
This mulled cider is vegetarian, gluten-free, plant-based, vegan, and dairy-free.
Mulled Cider
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Prep Time: 5 minutes -
Cook Time: 1 hour
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Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
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Yield: 8
Print RecipeDescription
Mulled cider is the ideal cozy drink for cool weather! Here’s how to make it in a slow cooker or on the stove. Infused with mulling spices like cinnamon and cloves, everything is better with a mug in hand!
Ingredients
- 1 whole nutmeg
- 10 allspice berries
- 10 cloves
- 2 star anise
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- ½ gallon apple cider*
- ¼ cup rum, optional
- 1 small orange, for garnish
- Whole cranberries, for garnish
Instructions
- Toast the spices: Add the nutmeg, allspice, cloves, star anise and cinnamon to the bottom of a pot (or to a skillet for Slow Cooker instructions). Toast over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
- Stovetop cooking instructions: Turn the heat to low. Pour in the apple cider and bring to below a simmer, just barely bubbling. Warm for 1 hour on low heat (don’t let it simmer). Skim off any particulate if desired, or stir to re-incorporate it.
- Slow Cooker & Instant Pot instructions: Place the apple cider in the slow cooker or Instant Pot (pressure cooker) with the spices. Cook on low for 3 hours OR Normal using the Instant Pot “Slow Cooker” setting.
- If using, stir in the rum. Garnish with orange slices and cranberries, then serve.
Notes
*Doubles easily, and fits into a standard slow cooker or Instant Pot.
Category: Drink
Method: Stovetop / Pressure Cooker
Cuisine: American