Apple Cider Recipe: Easy Homemade Mulled Cider (20 Min)

There’s nothing quite like the rich, aromatic swirl of a homemade Apple Cider Recipe on an autumn afternoon. I’ve tested this mulled drink in my kitchen over a dozen crisp mornings, tweaking spice levels and simmer times until the fragrance of cinnamon and cloves felt just right. You’ll notice a gentle hiss as it warms, and on my third batch I discovered that a quick skim of foam makes the liquid crystal clear.

Why You’ll Love Apple Cider Recipe

• Deep, warming aromas fill your home while it simmers.
• Adjustable sweetness—easy to scale back or up.
• Smooth mouthfeel with silky spice-infused texture.
• Rooted in classic fall traditions—perfect for gatherings.

A Little Background

I first tried mulled cider at a county fair, but bringing it home meant learning how long to simmer without drying out the spices. In an early trial, I left the pot too hot and the cloves overpowered the blend—ever since, I keep the heat low and monitor the bubbling closely for a gentler infusion.

Key Ingredients for Apple Cider Recipe

• 10 cups non-alcoholic apple cider: the base; use fresh-pressed if available.
• 2 cinnamon sticks: tied in cheesecloth keeps shards out—swap for 1½ tsp ground cinnamon if needed.
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves: toss in a spice bag for easy removal.
• 1 teaspoon whole allspice: adds depth; crush lightly for stronger aroma.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: optional sweetness; brown sugar works too for a caramel note.

How to Make Apple Cider Recipe

1. Pour 10 cups apple cider into a large pot; add cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, and sugar. (Prep note: I tie spices in cheesecloth—cleanup is a breeze.)
2. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, watching for soft bubbling around the sides.
3. Lower heat to maintain a bare simmer; let it cook, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring once midway to dissolve sugar fully.
4. Remove from heat and fish out spice bundle. Ladle into mugs—each with its own cinnamon stick—and serve hot.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• I discovered a gentle skim at the 5-minute mark stops foam from clouding the cider.
• If it tastes too sharp, stir in a little extra sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.
• For a citrus twist, add a few orange or lemon slices during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
• Doubling the batch? Use a wider pot to keep the simmer gentle and spices from concentrating.

Storage & Make-Ahead Guide

I’ve kept leftover cider in a sealed pitcher in the fridge for up to 5 days with no flavor loss. Always cool within two hours and cover tightly to prevent absorption of other odors. Reheat gently to 165°F on the stove—avoid microwave hot spots. Freeze in ice cube trays for quick servings; thaw in the fridge overnight.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your mug of cider with a slice of warm apple pie or a cinnamon sugar biscotti. For a festive bar, offer whipped cream, ground nutmeg, or a splash of bourbon as add-ins. Garnish with an orange wheel for color and brightness.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does homemade apple cider keep? Store refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Can I use apple juice instead of cider? Yes—apple juice works, but cider lends a richer, more complex flavor.
• How do I make apple cider without whole spices? Swap in 1½ tsp ground cinnamon and ½ tsp ground allspice; stir in during simmering and strain through cheesecloth.
• Is slow cooker apple cider possible? Absolutely—add all ingredients to a 6-qt slow cooker, cook on low for 2 hours, then skim foam and serve.
• What temperature should I serve apple cider? Aim for around 160–165°F so it’s steamy but not scalding.
• How can I reduce sediment in my cider? Tie spices in a muslin bag, skim foam early, and strain through a fine mesh before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Recipe has become my go-to for crisp evenings and holiday get-togethers. I love tucking into a blanket with a frosted mug, cinnamon stick in hand. Give it a try, and let me know which variation you enjoy most—share your photos and tips below!

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Slow Cooker Beef Stew – pairs its savory warmth with spiced cider for ultimate comfort
• One-Pot Mac and Cheese – creamy richness echoes the smooth texture of mulled apple cider
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries – sweet, crispy bites that complement autumnal flavors