There’s something about hot cider that brings such warmth and comfort. I used to always purchase my mix in the store, until a couple of years ago when I couldn’t find it anywhere! So, I researched and tweaked this recipe until I got the perfect combo and it’s been a hot ever since!
The ingredients are so easy to throw together. One of the great things about making your own mixes is that you know you will always have some on hand when you need it. Almost any kind of mix can be recreated right form your own pantry, including this one.
This makes a great warm drink for the Holidays or anytime of year. If I know we have a cold weekend coming up in the dead of the winter, I’ll grab some apple cider and throw it in the crockpot with the mulling spice mix in the morning. The aroma as the hot cider is cooking is heavenly and the warmth of the drink is so soothing. Grab a mug of the warm cider, a good book and the day couldn’t be better!
Ingredients for Mulled Hot Cider Mix
- Cinnamon sticks
- Star Anise
- Whole Cloves
- Whole Allspice Berries
- Orange slices, fresh or dried
- Optional – Drawstring cheese cloth bags or Cheesecloth with food grade string
How to make Mulled Hot Cider Mix
Gather ingredients – cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, allspice berries and orange slices.
If using cheesecloth bags – place all dried ingredients in bag, except cinnamon stick and orange slices, and secure.
If using regular cheesecloth – cut it into a 3 – 4 inch square. Place dried mix in center and gather edges together to form a pouch. Tie with food grade string. You are ready to make Hot Mulled Cider.
Pouch made with cheesecloth and string.
Slow Cooker Method
Pour cider into slow cooker. Place mulled cider pouch mix in the cider (it will likely float). Either tie string to outside handles to just let rest outside of the crockpot. Then add cinnamon sticks and orange slices. Close the lid and cook on low heat for 4 hours.
Stovetop Method
Place all ingredients in a large pot as instructed above and bring to a slow simmer, not boil. Simmer for 30 minutes.
FAQ’s
Orange Slices – I have used both fresh and dried oranges. Both yield the same results. Right now in our area, you cannot find dried oranges in any of our local markets. Therefore, my only option this season has been fresh, which is always best!
Apple Cider – Fresh unpasteurized cider is best, as it is a bit denser and holds together. If you can’t find unpasteurized then pasteurized works as well. Just make sure to not use apple juice, as it is too sugary and will not give the same flavor.
Other recipes you might enjoy
Royal English Breakfast Tea Latte
Ingredients
Mix
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 star anise, whole
- 1 tbsp cloves, whole
- 1 tbsp whole allspice berries
- 2 orange slices, fresh or dried
Hot Mulled Cider
- 1 gallon Fresh Apple Cider
Instructions
Mix
- If using cheesecloth bags – place all dried ingredients in bag, except cinnamon stick and orange slices, and secure.
- If using regular cheesecloth – cut it into a 3 – 4 inch square. Place dried mix in center and gather edges together to form a pouch. Tie with food grade string.
- You are ready to make Hot Mulled Cider.
Hot Mulled Cider
- Slow cooker method – Pour fresh apple cider into slow cooker. Place mulled cider pouch mix in the cider (it will likely float). Either tie string to outside handles to just let rest outside of the crockpot. Add oranges slices (fresh or dried) and cinnamon sticks to the pot. Close the lid and cook on low heat for 4 hours.
- Stovetop Method – Place all ingredients in a large pot as instructed above, and bring to a slow simmer, not boil. Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Enjoy!