Small-Batch Mulled Cider

This simple small-batch mulled cider is going to be your new favorite winter drink. It’s perfect for everything from sitting at the window watching the snowflakes fall to sitting by a warm fire. Or make a batch of this easy mulled cider for watching your favorite holiday movies!

Close up overhead view of a clear glass mug of spiced cider with cranberries, an orange slice, and a cinnamon stick floating on top

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My dad used to make his mulled apple cider all winter long when I was a kid. This was way before the pumpkin spice craze. The house smelled amazing from fall to spring, and we were never in short supply of this delicious and easy mulled cider.

Now that it’s just B and me, I like to make a small-batch version of that nostalgic drink.

Most mulled apple cider recipes make enough for a party-size crowd, but this simple recipe makes a small batch of mulled cider. Because sometimes. you just want a pot of cider to share with your partner or just drink all to yourself! 

This mulled spiced cider is a delicious, kid-friendly recipe, but you can also add a little extra ingredient like rum or whiskey if you like.

Serve it as an after-dinner drink at a holiday dinner party or just enjoy a cup while watching holiday movies in your jammies.

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Why You’ll Love This Spiced Cider Recipe

  • Easy – Even the most beginner cook can make this tasty drink.
  • Fast – Comes together in minutes.
  • Delicious – You won’t be able to resist the depth of flavor in this spiced apple cider. Even B said she didn’t think apple cider could get any better until she tried this!
Overhead view of a clear glass mug of mulled cider with 3 cranberries and an orange slice floating on top next to a knuckle of ginger

Mulled Cider Recipe Ingredients

This tasty mulled cider only requires a handful of simple ingredients for amazing flavor.

  • Apple cider – This is usually found in the refrigerated area of the produce section
  • Orange slices
  • Whole cranberries – fresh or frozen will work
  • Cinnamon sticks – Use quality spices for the best results
  • Fresh ginger – peeled 
  • Whole cloves 
  • Ground nutmeg – freshly ground nutmeg gives the best flavor
  • Dates – optional, This adds a caramel-y vibe

Notes and Tips

  • You can use a “natural unfiltered” apple juice like Apple & Eve or Mott’s in a pinch
  • Use navel oranges or blood oranges 
  • Wash the peels of the oranges under some cool water before slicing
  • Press the peeled ginger under the flat side of a large knife to release more ginger flavor before adding it to the strainer or pot
  • Let the cider mixture simmer longer for more intense flavors
Head on view of a kattle pouring mulled apple cider into a clear glass mug

How to Make Mulled Cider

Make this simple cider recipe in just a couple easy steps.

Step 1: Mull the Cider

Add all the ingredients to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.

Once boiling, lower heat to a low simmer. Let simmer, covered, for at least 15-30 minutes.

Step 2: Garnish and Serve

When ready to serve, strain the mix and pour liquid into mugs or a teapot.

Garnish each glass with an orange slice, some cranberries, and a cinnamon stick. Enjoy!

Salton MultiPot Directions

We are currently loving making this mulled cider in our Salton MultiPot Multi-Cooker because we can boil, simmer, strain, pour all with one pot!

Here’s how to make it in the MultiPot:

  1. Place the strainer accessory into Salton 1.25 L MultiPot® Multi-Cooker
  2. Add all the non-cider ingredients into the strainer basket.
  3. Pour in the apple cider.
  4. Place the lid on the MultiPot and be sure the lid is turned so it is closed and the pour spout is sealed.
  5. Turn the temperature control knob to high and bring the contents to a boil.
  6. Once boiling, lower the temperature knob to low heat (one dot above the warming function) and let simmer for about 15-30 minutes.
  7. Serve right away or turn the temperature to the warming level until ready to serve.
  8. When ready to serve, remove the strainer and pour straight from the pot.
  9. Garnish with a few more cranberries, an orange slice, and a cinnamon stick. Serve hot!

What Is The Difference Between Cider And Mulled Cider?

Apple cider is just the unfiltered juice of apples. Mulled cider is apple cider heated with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg and fruits like cranberries and sliced oranges and simmered for some time to infuse the flavors of the other ingredients with the apple cider.

How to Serve Mulled Cider

  • Serve this spiced apple cider warm or hot
  • Garnish with some more fresh cranberries, orange slices, and a cinnamon stick
  • Feel free to add something like rum, bourbon, or whiskey for an adult twist! A ginger-spiced whiskey would be delightful!
Overhead view of a clear glass mug of mulled cider with 3 cranberries and an orange slice floating on top

How to Store Leftover Mulled Cider

Allow any leftover mulled cider to cool completely and place in an appropriate size mason jar or other glass jar with the lid.

How to Reheat Spiced Cider

Reheat mulled cider in a small saucepan on the stovetop or in the microwave in a microwave safe glass.

More Vegan Apple Recipes

We’d love to hear how you enjoyed this mulled cider recipe and what you thought of it! Leave a comment and a star rating in the section below the recipe card! We can’t wait to hear from you.

Close up overhead view of a clear glass mug of spiced cider with cranberries, an orange slice, and a cinnamon stick floating on top

Easy Mulled Cider

Terrence Roche
This simple small-batch mulled cider is going to be your new favorite winter drink. It’s perfect for everything from sitting at the window watching the snowflakes fall to sitting by a warm fire. Or make a batch of this easy mulled cider for watching your favorite holiday movies.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Beverages, Hot Beverages
Servings 4 large mugs
Calories 141 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4.5 cups apple cider
  • 3-4 orange slices
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 date optional
  • 1/2- inch piece fresh ginger
  • 1/2 tsp whole cloves
  • 1/4 cup cranberries
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Instructions
 

  • Add all the ingredients to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
  • Once boiling, lower heat to a low simmer. Let simmer, covered, for at least 15-30 minutes.
  • When ready to serve, strain the mix and pour liquid into mugs or a teapot. Garnish each glass with an orange slice, some cranberries, and a cinnamon stick. Enjoy!

Notes

Salton MultiPot Directions:
We are currently loving making this mulled cider in our Salton MultiPot Multi-Cooker because we can boil, simmer, strain, pour all with one pot!
  1. Place the strainer accessory into Salton 1.25 L MultiPot® Multi-Cooker
  2. Add all the non-cider ingredients into the strainer basket.
  3. Pour in the apple cider.
  4. Place the lid on the MultiPot and be sure the lid is turned so it is closed and the pour spout is sealed.
  5. Turn the temperature control knob to high and bring the contents to a boil.
  6. Once boiling, lower the temperature knob to low heat (one dot above the warming function) and let simmer for about 15-30 minutes.
  7. Serve right away or turn the temperature to the warming level until ready to serve.
  8. When ready to serve, remove the strainer and pour straight from the pot.
  9. Garnish with a few more cranberries, an orange slice, and a cinnamon stick. Serve hot!

Nutrition

Serving: 1large mugCalories: 141kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 1gFat: 0.5gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.03gSodium: 11mgPotassium: 315mgFiber: 2gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 34IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 1mg
Keyword mulled cider, spiced cider
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