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Cider is one of my very favorite parts of fall – its crisp and delicious, and this slow cooker mulled cider is like edible potpourri you’ll want to sip long after the last leaves fall in Autumn!
Mulling spices create a perfect herby, slightly spiced kick to cider – and our citrus brings a bright, fresh flavor you won’t be able to get enough of. I like to make big batches in my slow cooker, and bring it to parties!
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Table of contents
Crock Pot Mulled Cider
This cozy and comforting drink, filled with the rich flavors of spices, citrus, and sweet apple, is like autumn in a cup.
I love making recipes with mulling spices – which are called “mulling” spices because they are traditionally used in the process of “mulling” drinks.
The act of mulling involves simmering the spices with the drink to allow their flavors to blend into the liquid. This process creates a cozy, fragrant beverage, often enjoyed during fall and winter, particularly around the holidays. Thus, the spices used for this purpose became known as “mulling spices.”
Brewing this mulled cider will fill your home with an inviting aroma that promises warmth, relaxation, and a hint of nostalgic charm!
So, grab your favorite blanket, and let’s embark on this aromatic journey to create the perfect homemade mulled cider.
How To Make Mulled Cider
To make this recipe, we will need the following ingredients:
- Apple Cider: The base, it gives you those warm apple tones.
- Orange Slices: Adds citrus notes and a little tang. Also, makes the cider more vibrant.
- Lemon Slices: The lemon balances out the sweetness and adds extra citrusy zing.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Essential for that spicy, warming cinnamon flavor we all love.
- Whole Cloves: These bring in a deep, somewhat peppery flavor note.
- Nutmeg: It adds a hint of warm, nutty spice.
- Cardamom Pods/Ground Cardamom: Brings a unique spicy, herbal, and citrusy flavor.
- Star Anise: Offers a licorice-like depth to the spice profile.
Once you’ve gathered ingredients, we will use the following process:
- Pour & Prep: In a large pot, pour in the apple cider. Add orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
- Stir & Heat: Stir the mixture well. Simmer in slow cooker over low heat for about 2 hours; 1 hour on high. Make sure not to reduce heat if it starts to cook down; you just want it hot and steamy.
- Taste Test: Give your cider a taste. If it needs more sweetness or spice, adjust accordingly.
- Strain: Use a ladle to serve it into mugs, avoiding the spices. Or, strain the liquid with cheese cloth if you prefer.
- Garnish: You can add a fresh cinnamon stick or an orange slice in each mug for added flair.
- Serve Hot: Enjoy your homemade mulled cider hot, preferably with good company and maybe a warm blanket.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Mulled Cider
Don’t Boil: Keep your slow cooker on a low setting. Boiling can make your cider bitter.
Quality Matters: Start with good-quality, fresh apple cider. The better your base, the better the end result.
Taste as You Go: About halfway through, taste the cider to adjust spices or sweetness.
Straining: If you don’t like bits of spices in your drink, consider tying them in a cheesecloth before placing them in the slow cooker.
Citrus Squeeze: Feel free to squeeze a bit of the citrus fruits into the cider for extra zing before adding the slices.
Sweeten Last: If you plan to add any sugar or sweeteners, do it toward the end of cooking so you can adjust to taste.
Customize: Add a splash of rum or bourbon if you’re making this an adult treat. Also, consider extra add-ins like ginger or vanilla extract to make it your own.
Garnish: A fresh cinnamon stick or an orange slice can make your serving even more special.
Leftovers: If you have leftovers, you can store the cooled cider in the fridge and reheat it on the stove or back in the slow cooker.
Serve Hot: Use a ladle to serve the hot cider into mugs, making sure to leave the spices behind.
What are Mulling Spices?
The term “mull” refers to heating and infusing beverages (typically wine, cider, or ale) with a combination of spices to enhance their flavor. This practice dates back centuries, especially in Europe, where it was common to heat and spice beverages during the cold months to create a warming, aromatic drink!
Today we create our own Mulling Spices by mixing a blend of the following spices:
- Cloves: Contribute a pungent, spicy, and slightly bitter flavor.
- Nutmeg: Provides a sweet, nutty, and slightly earthy flavor.
- Allspice: Tastes like a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, adding warmth and depth.
- Star Anise: Adds a licorice-like flavor that is sweet and spicy.
- Orange Peel: Brightens the blend with a sweet and citrusy tang.
- Ginger: Adds a mild spicy kick with a warm and peppery flavor.
FAQs
Typically, 2-4 hours on low is sufficient. You can let it simmer for longer if you like stronger flavors, just keep it from boiling.
Yes, you can, but the flavor will be less robust. Apple cider usually has a more complex, earthy flavor.
Yes! A splash of rum, bourbon, or even a spiced liqueur like Fireball can be added for an adult version. Add it just before serving so the alcohol doesn’t evaporate.
You can use ground spices, but be cautious with the amounts. Ground spices are more concentrated. And you’ll likely need to strain the cider before serving.
Absolutely. Once cooled, you can store it in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just reheat on the stove or back in the slow cooker, and be sure to remove citrus so the fruit’s pith doesn’t make cider too bitter.
Cool the cider to room temperature, then transfer it to a lidded pitcher or jug. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Sure, mulled cider can be enjoyed cold, though the flavors may be less pronounced.
What to Serve With Mulled Cider
Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses like Brie, Gouda, and sharp Cheddar can be delightful with the warm spices of the cider – be sure to see our tips on How to Make a Cheese Plate.
Apple Desserts: Think apple galettes, apple tart tatin, or apple crumble. The apple flavors will complement each other perfectly.
Cookies: Ginger snaps, snickerdoodles, or shortbread cookies can be a hit.
Savory Pastries: Sausage rolls or savory tarts can balance the sweetness of the cider.
Nuts: Roasted almonds or mixed nuts seasoned with similar spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Our Candied Almonds and Easy Candied Pistachios are perfect with cider!
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Slow Cooker Mulled Cider
Equipment
- Soeos Organic Whole Star Anise 4 oz (114g), Whole Anise, Whole Chinese Star Anise Pods, Anise Seed Whole, Organic Star Anise Whole, Organic Star Anise Seeds, Star Anise Spice, Anis Star, Anis Seed, USDA Organic, Non-GMO Verified, Dried Star Anise Spice – Great for Beverages, Cooking, Baking
Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1-2 lemons, sliced
- 4-5 whole cinnamon sticks
- 8-10 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 6-8 cardamom pods or 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2-3 star anise
Instructions
- In your slow cooker, pour in the apple cider. Add fruit slices, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, and star anise.
- Optional: If you're using sugar or maple syrup, add it to the pot and stir to dissolve.
- Stir the mixture well. Let cook in the slow cooker for 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high. The longer the better!
- Give your cider a taste. If it needs more sweetness or spice, adjust accordingly.
- Use a ladle to serve it into mugs, avoiding the spices or strain the liquid if you prefer.
- You can add a fresh cinnamon stick or an orange slice in each mug for added flair.
- Enjoy your homemade mulled cider hot, preferably with good company and maybe a warm blanket!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
