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Hot apple cider season is here, and this easy homemade recipe brings together apple juice, orange juice, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and fresh fruit for a warm, fragrant drink that tastes like the holidays in a mug.
This easy mulled cider comes together on the stovetop in about 30 minutes, with slow cooker and single-serving microwave options too. It is warm, spiced, family-friendly, and exactly what I want simmering while we decorate for fall or Christmas.
This is my mother’s amazing recipe that we have been making my whole life! At our house, we make a batch of homemade hot apple cider every year when we put up our Christmas tree. Nothing is better than the smell of fresh mulled cider and evergreen trees to give you all the holiday feels and warm you up on those chilly days!
This easy recipe is delicious on its own, but it is even better when you use my homemade apple juice from scratch in apple season, then finish each cup with a dried orange slice for a beautiful old-fashioned garnish.
What is Mulled Apple Cider
Mulled apple cider is simply apple juice that’s warmed with a mix of spices and a touch of sweetness. It’s one of my favorite cozy drinks to make when the weather cools down, especially through the fall and holiday season. Served warm, it’s sweet, perfectly spiced, and makes the whole house smell amazing while it simmers.
For an adult version, you can also spike mulled apple cider with spiced rum, bourbon, or even vodka. The warm spices pair really well with the alcohol and make it an extra cozy drink for a chilly evening or holiday gathering.
Before You Begin
A few small tips make this hot apple cider recipe taste especially cozy and full of old-fashioned flavor. Take a minute to gather your ingredients and tools before you start so the cider can gently simmer without any last-minute scrambling.
- Choose an apple juice you enjoy drinking. A good-quality, not-from-concentrate apple juice gives the finished drink the best sweet, fresh apple flavor.
- Use whole spices when possible. Cinnamon sticks and whole cloves add warm flavor without leaving a gritty texture in the cider.
- Have a fine-mesh strainer ready. It makes removing the spices and fruit slices before serving quick and easy.
- Keep the heat gentle. A soft simmer brings out the flavor without making the citrus taste sharp or the spices bitter.
- Taste before adding maple syrup. Some apple juices are already quite sweet, so you may not need any extra.
- Make it look delish too! A cinnamon stick, dried orange slice, or dried apple slice makes each mug feel a little more special.
The Best Spices to Use For Hot Apple Cider
Many different types of spices can be used to mull a fresh apple cider. I only use a few for this delicious recipe; however, feel free to give any of these simple ingredients a try for a slightly different mulled flavor.
Simmering a pot of mulled apple cider on the stove is one of my favorite ways to bring a touch of Hygge into your home in the autumn season.
Ingredients for Homemade Hot Apple Cider
- 4 cups apple juice (1 quart)
- 2 cups orange juice (1 pint)
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves (about 20 cloves)
- 3 whole star anise, optional
- 2 whole cardamom pods, lightly crushed, optional
- 6 whole allspice berries, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional
- 1 medium apple, thinly sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 small orange, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, to taste, optional
- Cinnamon sticks and dried orange slices for serving, optional
Ingredient Notes
Cinnamon sticks and whole cloves are the must-haves. The other spices simply add depth, so use what you have.
How to Make Hot Apple Cider on the Stovetop
- Combine the liquids. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stir together the apple juice and orange juice. Heat until the mixture is steaming and small bubbles are forming around the edge of the pot, about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not let it reach a hard boil.
- Add the spices and fruit. Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, cardamom pods, allspice berries, ground nutmeg, apple slices, and orange slices. Stir once to combine.
- Simmer gently. Reduce the heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until it smells warmly spiced and the fruit has softened slightly. Keep it at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil.
- Taste and sweeten. Carefully taste the cider. Stir in 1 tablespoon maple syrup if you would like it sweeter, then add the second tablespoon only if needed.
- Strain and serve. Remove the pot from the heat. Strain the hot apple cider through a fine-mesh strainer, or remove the spice bundle. Ladle into heat-safe mugs and add a cinnamon stick or dried orange slice for serving. Serve warm.
Slow Cooker and Microwave Instructions
Slow Cooker Hot Apple Cider
For a party, add all ingredients to a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Cook on low for 2 to 3 hours or on high for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Switch to warm for serving and remove the spices after about 3 hours. It is perfect for a simple Hygge Christmas gathering.
Single-Serving Microwave Hot Cider
For one mug, combine 1 cup unsweetened apple juice, 1/2 cup orange juice, a small piece of cinnamon stick, and a strip of orange peel. Heat in a microwave-safe mug for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, until steaming. Let stand for 1 minute, then remove the cinnamon and peel.
Easy Apple Cider Variations
This homemade hot apple cider is delicious as is, but it’s also really easy to switch things up. Add a cup of fresh or frozen cranberries for a slightly tart cranberry-orange cider, or skip the orange juice and add a little more unsweetened apple juice for a stronger apple flavor.
I like to keep the whole pot alcohol-free and let everyone add their own. Bourbon, dark rum, brandy, or whiskey all work really well with the warm apple and spices.
A warm mug of hot apple cider needs very little help, but a few simple treats turn it into a proper seasonal moment. For fall gatherings, my mother always serves hers with our family’s old-fashioned apple crumble or a bowl of caramelized pecans. Both are easy to set out, and both disappear oh-so quickly at my house.
At Christmas, I love serving this hot apple cider recipe with cinnamon star bread for brunch or a little piece of salted butter toffee after dinner. The cider is also a beautiful nonalcoholic option for a dessert board, especially when you are trying to offer something more interesting than another sparkling water with a sad lime wedge.
For a cozy serving setup, layer a tray with mugs, linen napkins, cinnamon sticks, and dried citrus. I love serving it with my natural fall decor table setting in the background, with simple layers of apples, dried citrus, and pinecones. You can find a few of my favorite simple seasonal pieces in the B Vintage Style Shop.
If you are styling the house for the holidays, take a peek at my cozy Christmas aesthetic ideas and natural Christmas decoration ideas; both are full of warm, easy inspiration.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
For canning: Simply pouring hot cider into a jar and getting the lid to seal doesn’t make it shelf-stable. If you want to can your apple cider, be sure to follow a tested canning recipe and proper processing method.
Make ahead: You can make the cider up to 2 days ahead. Once it has the flavor you like, strain out the fruit and spices, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Leftovers: Store leftover apple cider in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
To reheat: Warm it in a saucepan over medium-low heat until nice and hot. Try not to let it boil, as it can change the flavor and make the citrus taste a bit sharp.
To freeze: Strain and cool the cider completely, then freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Leave a little room at the top for it to expand. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Turn It into a Simple Gift
This recipe also makes a sweet, practical gift for neighbors or hosts. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and dried orange slices to a small jar or cheesecloth bag, then tie it with twine and add a printed copy of this hot apple cider recipe. Even place a cute homemade clay ornament tag or wood slice gift tag. My homemade Christmas gift ideas post has more simple ways to package thoughtful homemade treats.
More Apple Recipes
Whether you make this easy hot apple cider recipe for a quiet weekend or a house full of people, I hope it becomes one of those simple seasonal traditions you reach for every year. It is warm, welcoming, and almost impossible to mess up. Exactly the kind of recipe I need once the season gets busy.
All of the recipes on my blog come from antique recipe cards I found while antique shopping or from tried-and-true family heirloom recipes I know you will love. Here are a few favorites.
If creating a slower, more meaningful home is something you are working toward, my Making Space eBook is full of practical encouragement. You can also take my free Home Decor Style Quiz for a little help finding the look that feels most like home.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Apple cider is usually less filtered, while apple juice is clearer and sweeter. For this recipe, you can start with unsweetened apple juice, and the orange juice, spices, and fruit give it that cozy homemade mulled cider flavor.
There are a few different ways to heat apple cider. The most common are on the stovetop, in a slow cooker or crock pot, in the microwave, or even in a Dutch oven.
Mulled apple cider is delicious with spiced rum, whiskey, bourbon, brandy, and bitters. However, you can also pair it with vodka or tequila for a different taste.
Yes. Replace the orange juice with additional unsweetened apple juice, then add a few strips of orange peel for a lighter citrus note. You can also leave out the orange entirely for a simple apple-and-spice flavor.
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Equipment
- 1 Cast Iron Enamel 7 Quart Crock
- 1 Slow Cooker optional
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Apple Juice (1 quart)
- 2 Cups Orange Juice (1 pint)
- 3 Cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 tsp Whole Cloves (about 20 cloves)
Optional
- 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg
- 4 whole Star anise
- 2 whole Cardamom pods. lightly crushed
- 6 whole Allspice berries.
- 4 pieces Orange or apple slices, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp Pure maple syrup, to taste, for added sweetness
Instructions
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, combine the apple juice and orange juice. Heat for 5 to 7 minutes, until steaming with small bubbles around the edge of the pot.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, cardamom pods, allspice berries, ground nutmeg, apple slices, and orange slices. Stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until fragrant and gently steaming. Do not boil.
- Taste and stir in maple syrup, if desired. Remove from the heat.
- Strain the cider through a fine-mesh strainer. Serve immediately in heat-safe mugs with cinnamon sticks or dried orange slices, if desired.
Notes
- Slow cooker method: Combine all ingredients in a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Cook on low for 2 to 3 hours or on high for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Keep warm for serving, then remove the spices after about 3 hours.
- Make ahead: Prepare the cider up to 2 days ahead. Strain it, cool it promptly, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving.
- Storage: Refrigerate cooled leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Freeze strained cider for up to 3 months.
- Spiced variation: Add 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries with the apple and orange slices for a tart cranberry-orange cider.
- Alcohol-free hosting: Keep the cider alcohol-free in the pot. Offer bourbon, dark rum, brandy, or whiskey separately for adults who would like to add it to their own mug.
- Best practice: Whole spices give the cleanest flavor. Do not leave them in the cider for extended storage, or the drink can turn bitter.
Nutrition
I definitely recommend adding about a cup of frozen cranberries. SO delicious!
Cranberries would be so perfect in this recipe!