Spiced Apple Cider (Stovetop or Slow Cooker)

Jump to Recipe

Spiced (or mulled) Apple Cider is a quintessential cozy fall beverage that will warm your soul, and your hands while you’re sipping. It will also make your house smell absolutely fabulous. Add a splash of bourbon to spike things up a bit if you’re feeling adventurous.

Two glass mugs of spiced cider garnished with orange slices.

Here in south Florida, the weather doesn’t cool down much in the fall, but when mulled cider is simmering on the stovetop (or in the slow cooker), I actually start to feel like the holidays are just around the corner. There’s something about that spicy aroma that just brings on all the warm fuzzies.

I can remember making fresh apple cider on my grandparents’ orchard when I was a little girl. Preparing the apples on the apple press was a sticky mess (or maybe I was just a messy kid), but the end result was a fresh and delicious beverage that evokes memories of childhood to this day.

If you have access to fresh cider from a local farm, I highly suggest using that to make your spiced cider. However, you can also purchase apple cider in your local grocery store.

You can serve your Mulled Apple Cider spiked or not. If you choose to spike the cider add bourbon, cognac, or brandy to individual mugs when serving.

FAQs:

What’s the difference between apple juice and apple cider?

Fresh cider is raw apple juice that has not gone through a filtration process to remove the sediment and pulp particles. It will appear cloudy. Apple juice, on the other hand, has been filtered and pasteurized so that it will stay fresh longer, often shelf stable.

What’s the difference between apple cider and mulled apple cider?

Typically apple cider is consumed cold with no spices added. Mulled apple cider is typically served warm with the addition of mulling spices and often fruit and/or alcohol.

What spices are used for mulling?

Mulling spices usually consist of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg. Star anise, peppercorn, or cardamom are also sometimes included. Crystallized ginger, dried fruit, and dried citrus peel often make an appearance as well. Feel free to play with your spice profile to suit your own tastes.

How do I spike my apple cider?

Bourbon, rum, cognac, or brandy are all excellent choices. Add to individual mugs as cooking will dull the flavor of the liquor and cook off the potency.

Can I reheat mulled cider?

Yes. If you have leftover mulled cider, simply let it cool, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm over low heat on the stovetop (do not boil). Or, simply heat for about one minute in the microwave.

Close up of glass mug of spiced apple cider with Dutch oven filled with hot cider blurred in background.

Ingredients to make Spiced Apple Cider:

Ingredients for Spiced Apple Cider on a wood cutting board.

Apple cider: I love to buy apple cider from local farms, but you can also find it in your local grocery store in the fall.
Orange: Adds a bit of citrus flavor and acidity.
Fresh ginger slices (optional): Adds a spicy note to the cider.
Mulling spices: I used star anise, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves.
Maple syrup (optional): Add to taste if you like a bit of sweetness.
Bourbon: Add to individual mugs to spike the cider if desired.

How to Prepare Mulled Apple Cider:

Spiced Apple Cider is quite easy to prepare. Yes, you could simply buy a bag of mulling spices, but it’s easy to create your own blend. TIP: Dry toasting whole spices intensifies their flavor by releasing the natural oils.

Begin by adding the apple cider to a Dutch oven over medium heat.
While the cider is heating, add the whole spices to a dry, heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-low heat. Toast the spices while gently shaking the skillet to move them around the pan to prevent burning. The spices are done when you can smell the aroma, about 2-4 minutes. Immediately remove the spices from the skillet to prevent burning. (This step is optional, but definitely recommended.)
You can either add the whole spices directly to the apple cider, or you can place them in a coffee filter or cheese cloth for easy removal later (see photos below). I usually opt to simply toss them in the cider, then skim them out at the end.
Finally, slice the orange and ginger (if using), and place the slices in the cider. Once the liquid comes to a simmer, turn to low and cover, simmering for about an hour.
If you prefer a sweeter spiced cider, add a touch of maple syrup near the end of the simmering. For me, the cider is sweet enough on it’s own, so I would recommend tasting first before adding the maple syrup.
To serve, remove the spices and orange slices, and discard. Ladle the Spiced Apple Cider into mugs, and enjoy. Garnish with a fresh orange slice, if desired.
To make Spiked Mulled Cider, simply add an ounce of bourbon (or desired alcohol) to the mug, then top with warm Mulled Apple Cider.

Sliced ginger on a wood cutting board. — Ginger slices are optional, but they add great flavor.

Cinnamon, cloves, and star anise in a small cast iron skillet ready to be toasted. — Ginger slices are optional, but they add great flavor.

You can also make Spiced Cider in your slow cooker. I find this method ideal if you’re serving a group throughout the evening. Follow the steps outlined above, but add all the ingredients to a slow cooker set to low. You’ll want to simmer for 2-3 hours, then remove the sliced oranges, ginger, and spices. Turn the slow cooker to keep warm, and allow guests to serve themselves through the evening.

Serving Suggestions for Spiced Apple Cider:

Garnish with fresh orange slices, fresh cranberries, or a cinnamon stick.
Rim mugs with coconut sugar or a cinnamon sugar mix.

Hand holding a mug of spiced cider with Dutch oven and apples blurred in the background.

Appetizers to Serve with Mulled Apple Cider:

Inspired Fresh Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. Thank you for supporting Inspired Fresh Life.

Recipe Notes:

This recipe is easy to scale up or down depending on how much you need.
Minus the alcohol, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
A Dutch oven is perfect for maintaining an even simmer.
A small cast iron skillet is perfect for toasting spices.
You should be able to find cheese cloth in the baking aisle at your market, or just use coffee filters like I did.
Explore all the Cocktail and Drink recipes from Inspired Fresh Life.

Ingredient Substitutions:

Fresh orange slices: Dried orange slices will also work.

Bourbon: Adding alcohol is definitely optional. Other popular choices for spiked cider include cognac, brandy, or rum.

Spices: Experiment with a blend you prefer. Other common mulling spices include all spice, nutmeg, peppercorn, and cardamom.

Fresh ginger: Crystalized ginger is often included.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card and/or a review in the comments section at the bottom of the page. Are you following along on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook?

More Fall Cocktails to Love:

Two glass mugs of Mulled Cider garnished with orange slices and cinnamon sticks with red Dutch oven and more orange slices blurred in background.

Mulled Wine

Spiced Hot Toddy

Two old fashioned cocktails on a wire rack garnished with cherries and orange slices.

Peanut Butter Whiskey Old Fashioned