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Mulled Spiced Apple Cider

30 min

Drink

One-bowl / one-pot

10 ingredients or less

This mulled cider looks beautifully festive with the bright orange and red fruits. The aroma of apple and cinnamon simmering away on the stove will make your home smell absolutely incredible. A drink that serves both as an air freshener and a deliciously sweet warm drink? Cheers to that!

Servings

Total

30 min

Prep

5 min

Cook

25 min

Free from

Soy symbol

soy

Peanut symbol

peanut

Treenut symbol

tree nut

Sesame symbol

sesame

Gluten symbol

gluten

Ingredients

Mulled apple cider

  • 8 cups (1920 mL)
    apple cider
  • 1
    orange, thinly sliced
  • 6
    cardamom pods, cracked
  • 4
    cinnamon sticks
  • 3
    whole cloves
  • ½ cup (50 g)
    fresh cranberries
  • 1 Tbsp (8 g)
    fresh ginger, thinly sliced

Directions

  1. Place all of the ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce the heat to a simmer, partially cover, and let the flavours infuse for 20 - 30 minutes.
  3. Serve warm. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Apple cider does not refer to the alcoholic beverage, but rather, the unfiltered (cloudy) non-alcoholic beverage made from 100% apples.

Storage

  • Best to enjoy immediately.
  • Can be made ahead of time and reheated on the stove.
  • Store in the fridge for up to 1 day.

Let us know what you think

Watch it step-by-step!

Nutrition info

Focusing on numbers can harm our relationship with food. Instead, our philosophy is to Nourish the Cells & the Soul. For specific nutrition needs due to a medical condition, consult a dietitian or physician. While we strive to provide accurate nutritional information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. See our disclaimer for details.

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Gina - Nov. 23, 2024, 2:10 p.m.

Looks amazing! Do you eat the fresh cranberries in this or repurpose them?

PUL small logo PUL Team - Nov. 23, 2024, 4:16 p.m.

Hey Gina, you can eat the cranberries or repurpose them, such as adding them to smoothies. If you prefer, you can substitute the fresh cranberries with a splash of cranberry juice. Alternatively, you could exclude the cranberries or substitute them for another fruit, such as a different type of berry ☺️


SD - Nov. 5, 2024, 11:57 a.m.

This was a hit at my house party so much so that I made a second batch again in few hours 😀
For me personally, the drink was very sweet. I added hot water in my cup to lessen the sweetness. I wonder if similar taste can be achieved by using fresh apples instead of apple juice.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Nov. 5, 2024, 3:14 p.m.

So glad the mulled apple cider recipe was a hit at your party, SD! You did well to make it less concentrated by adding water, I've done the same in the past. You could indeed try using fresh apples instead of apple cider for a less sweet version, though we haven’t tested it out personally to say with confidence how that'll work out. Let us know if you experiment with it 🤩


J - Oct. 14, 2024, 12:53 a.m.

Are the cranberries supposed to disintegrate into the cider? The liquid became red and more like a cranberry-apple cider.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Oct. 14, 2024, 8:30 p.m.

Hello there, J, the cranberries can break down a bit, but they do not disintegrate. They release some tart flavour and give the cider a reddish hue. If you prefer a clearer cider, you can omit them or strain them out before serving though 🙌


Elizabeth - Sept. 21, 2024, 6:22 a.m.

Made this for a Lord of the Rings watch party! The whole apartment smelled divine. It was a hit with everyone-- super tasty and cozy. (side note: double the servings, because everyone will go back for more!)

PUL small logo PUL Team - Sept. 23, 2024, 12:16 a.m.

What a fun get together, Elizabeth! So happy to hear that the mulled apple cider recipe was enjoyed with the festivities 🥰


maria - Jan. 12, 2024, 4:07 a.m.

I put the spices on a tea bag for easy serving. Smelled amazing and all my friends really like it!


Miriam - Jan. 4, 2024, 7:04 p.m.

Love, love , love this in winter time. A beautiful drink to serve and my kitchen smells diliciuos


Bwalya Mutale - Dec. 29, 2023, 4:07 p.m.

Made this for Christmas Day and it went down very well. Great feedback from all, tho as the chef on the day, I didn’t actually get to try it!!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Jan. 2, 2024, 5:24 p.m.

Aw we're so happy that the apple cider was enjoyed, Bwalya - happy new year!


Suzy B. - Dec. 26, 2023, 11:14 p.m.

Really good! Love that there is no added sugar. I didn't have ginger and added a vanilla bean. Super cozy drink!


Jessica Lewis - Dec. 17, 2023, 12:58 a.m.

This turned out amazing! I could not get cardamom pods but it was still so delicious! Highly recommend giving this a try and making double, you will want more!


Keala - Dec. 2, 2023, 7:45 p.m.

Made this for a book club and it was a huge hit. So delicious, beautiful, easy, and helps my house smell great. Don't hesitate. Make this! Easiest new holiday tradition unlocked.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 2, 2023, 9:54 p.m.

Oh how nice of you to make it for the book club, Keala! We’re so happy the apple cider was enjoyed. Thanks for your vote of confidence 🤗


Holly - Nov. 12, 2023, 1:18 a.m.

I've made this recipe every holiday season since 2019, multiple times per season, for parties and special events. Everyone always really likes it. It's simple yet has sophisticated and accessible flavors. If apple cider wasn't so sweet, I'd have it every single day. If anyone is scrolling the comments to make sure this recipe is good, this is your sign! It's a great recipe. I'm so grateful that I found this recipe on a Pick Up Limes video about holiday drinks.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Nov. 12, 2023, 5:15 a.m.

Oh, Holly, you're too kind! 🥹 thanks for taking the time to share the glowing feedback and letting PUL be part of your holiday festivities 💛


Amrita - Nov. 11, 2023, 12:06 a.m.

I’m sitting in bed with the flu right now. I knew I needed to stay hydrated but didn’t feel like drinking tons of water or making hot tea/coffee. Cold juice would not have helped my throat either. And so I made this! Super, super easy, all the warming spices are great for my throat and it’s so tasty!! Do you think you could put together a compilation of your recipes for a sick day? Stuff like this that’s warm, comforting, and super easy to prepare!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Nov. 11, 2023, 11:09 p.m.

Oh noo - wishing you a quick recovery from the flu, Amrita! It seems like everyone is getting sick right now. We're so glad the apple cider was enjoyed and have noted down the idea for a recipe collection for sick days. In case you haven't seen already in the meantime since you're on the app, you may also enjoy our chamomile latte or orange hot chocolate which can be cooled 🥰


Chrysiida - Nov. 9, 2023, 12:28 a.m.

I made this last year for my birthday and I loved it so much that I made it this year as well. I remember one of my friends' first reaction to tasting it was that it was such a comforting drink and that as soon as she stepped into the apartment the smell of the drink overwhelmed her like a warm hug! I still remember it like it was yesterday!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Nov. 9, 2023, 9:36 a.m.

Aw thanks for celebrating your special day with one of our recipes, Chrysiida, happy birthday! The incredible scent it fills the home with is one of my favourite parts of this recipe too, aside from the taste of course 😋


Raquel - Oct. 31, 2023, 8:40 p.m.

The smells in the house, mmmmm


Ayesha - Oct. 10, 2023, 12:29 p.m.

Thanks sadia. Lovely picks!


Kirsten - Feb. 10, 2023, 3:34 a.m.

one of my holiday favourites! i now get requests from loved ones every winter season for this delightful drink <3


Sophie Adams - Jan. 29, 2023, 4:36 p.m.

I made this a few times over Christmas and everyone absolutely loved it! The flavours are so punchy and warming, I’ll definitely be making this a winter/Christmas tradition 🫶🏻

PUL small logo PUL Team - Jan. 30, 2023, 3:29 p.m.

Aw so thrilled to hear, Sophie, thank you 🤗


Naomi - Dec. 26, 2022, 8:25 p.m.

This recipe tastes amazing! I made this during November and December multiple times. My sister and I loved it!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 28, 2022, 7:13 a.m.

Woohoo! We're so glad it was enjoyed, Naomi 😃


VIKTORIA - Dec. 21, 2022, 10:17 a.m.

hello! Can i add a bit of alcohol? Can you give me a suggestion for the kind and portion of alcohol? thank you!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 21, 2022, 6:04 p.m.

Hey Viktoria, some wines, spiced rum, or brandy work nicely in mulled beverages. Alcohol is especially delicate on heat, so maybe add it at the end to heat through, rather than letting it simmer. Because we haven't tested it with alcohol, I can't give proportions with confidence, so just add small splashes and taste test until you get to a taste that is enjoyable. A splash of sweetener can help balance out the flavour if needed too 😊 Enjoy!


Sal - Dec. 6, 2022, 9:39 a.m.

I make this every autumn/winter since you posted it and I absolutely adore this recipe! So cozy!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 6, 2022, 6:15 p.m.

So happy to hear, Sal, enjoy!


Daniella - Nov. 29, 2022, 12:55 p.m.

Hello !

Once the Mulled spiced Apple cider is make. Can I freeze the liquid?
I'm short on time and would like to make it ahead so i can just defrost it when needed.

Thanks :)

PUL small logo PUL Team - Nov. 29, 2022, 5:15 p.m.

Hey Daniella! We haven't tested it out, but we've heard it's possible to freeze from others. The liquid will expand a bit when frozen so be sure to leave extra space in the container before freezing. It will also likely need a good stir when reheating in case there's any separation. Do let us know how it goes if you experiment with freezing it 😃


Deepali - Nov. 27, 2022, 12:08 a.m.

Hi! I just tried this recipe and it smells heavenly! I am not a sweet tooth person and this drink is too sweet for me, is there any way I can enjoy this by making it less sweet?

PUL small logo PUL Team - Nov. 27, 2022, 7:49 p.m.

Hi Deepali, thank you for sharing your experience with it! Apple cider can
vary in sweetness, or perhaps the mixture boiled for too long which can cause the apple cider to reduce too much and sweeten. In any case, adding some water with a splash of lemon juice to dilute the drink is one idea to help with the sweetness 😃


Meli - Nov. 18, 2022, 2:50 p.m.

I love this drink🥰🥰🥰
It smells like christmas at home.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Nov. 19, 2022, 7:08 p.m.

We're so glad to hear, Meli ✨


Rose - Oct. 21, 2022, 3:28 p.m.

I absolutely LOVE this one! I make it regularly in the winter :)

PUL small logo PUL Team - Oct. 22, 2022, 1:11 a.m.

So happy to hear, Rose!


Erika - Oct. 16, 2022, 5:08 p.m.

Made this yesterday for my birthday party and all my friends loved it. Such a wonderful smell to greet guests as they arrive!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Oct. 16, 2022, 5:44 p.m.

Wishing you the happiest birthday, Erika 🥳 We're so honoured the drink was part of the celebrations!


Keiko - Sept. 12, 2022, 1 p.m.

this is amazing!!! we love this drink and are so excited fall is coming!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Sept. 12, 2022, 5:25 p.m.

Thank you, Keiko, we're excited as well 🍂


Alice - Dec. 12, 2021, 7:43 p.m.

I love your recipes !
And this one is crazy good.
I use it for hot wine all winter long ;)
Besos from Paris.
I think you should mention here that it works perfectly for hot red French wine :)$

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 13, 2021, 8:18 a.m.

Hehe thanks for the insight, Alice - sending lots of love to Paris 🤗


Durga - Nov. 25, 2021, 12:35 a.m.

This is the perfect winter drink that warms the soul. I finished all of it while it was warm.


tiny flower - Nov. 13, 2021, 8:10 a.m.

hii i just tried this recipe for the first time yesterday and i loved it - yuuum so tasty and cozy! i adapted the ingredients to what i had access to and to and that worked really well! so i used apple/cranberry juice, ginger juice, and the spices in their ground form! so if for anyone who is unsure if that works - it does! 💖

PUL small logo PUL Team - Nov. 13, 2021, 4:08 p.m.

Mmm sounds delicious, tiny flower, thank you for the insight 😃


Linda - Oct. 25, 2021, 12:42 a.m.

Made the warm version of this for a cosy drink after a walk. It was the perfect comforting drink. Love the idea of adding orange and cranberries for a festive twist too.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Oct. 26, 2021, 4:52 a.m.

So thrilled to hear, Linda, thank you!


Mina - Sept. 16, 2021, 10:59 a.m.

This recipe looks very nice. I would like to try it this fall.

But I am in France and I do not have access to fresh cranberry . Can I replace them with something else?

Thank you for all this recipes. I really love the Chai Hot Chocolate! It's so good !!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Sept. 16, 2021, 5:22 p.m.

Hi Mina, a lovely question! Feel free to substitute the fresh cranberries with frozen or a splash of cranberry juice if that's more accessible. Alternatively, you could exclude the cranberries or substitute them for another fruit, such as a different type of berry. We hope you enjoy the apple cider if you give it a try! Lots of love to France 🤗

Alice - Dec. 12, 2021, 7:45 p.m.

Hey, Mina, I live in Laris too and as I didn’t find fresh not frozen at Oicard, I found bio cranberries- dried, but delicious for 2€ in Lidl!
Added 1/3 cup for a bottle of red and was delicious !!


Mulled cider slave - July 24, 2021, 5:59 p.m.

This has become a regular after dinner drink in our house now! My mom got addicted to this and she requests it almost every other day 😂


Lucy - July 11, 2021, 5:41 p.m.

love love love... makes your house smell so yummy and is such a cozy drink 🤎


Jordan - July 10, 2021, 4:47 a.m.

I like making this in a crock pot for family events! It tastes and smells sooooo good, it's insane.

PUL small logo PUL Team - July 15, 2021, 5:33 a.m.

Mmm lovely idea, Jordan, thanks for sharing your review with us :)


Katherine Broberg - July 9, 2021, 8:17 p.m.

I serve this to my family after apple picking, hiking, or other outdoor excursions on cold fall days and to my guests around Thanksgiving. It’s always a win!

PUL small logo PUL Team - July 14, 2021, 3:47 p.m.

Mmm sounds so lovely, Katherine, thank you for sharing!


Lisa - July 9, 2021, 6:08 p.m.

This is drink has a similar taste as a Swedish drink called Glögg. How many times did I not make it, this drink is perfect for both autumn and winter!

Katherine Broberg - July 9, 2021, 8:18 p.m.

I know, right! My husband’s family is from Lindstrom MN and they love it when I serve them this.

PUL small logo PUL Team - July 15, 2021, 2:21 a.m.

Super interesting to hear, Lisa and Katherine, thanks for sharing this!


Saher Hyderali - July 9, 2021, 2:34 p.m.

I make this on Thanksgiving every year!! It’s a tradition in my home now!! We absolutely love it!!


Aurora - July 9, 2021, 8:57 a.m.

My favourite hot drink! Just heaven in a mug really!


Kirstyn - July 8, 2021, 9:15 p.m.

So delicious! I put a little too much cinnamon in (or maybe the 4 sticks were just very large...) so had to water it down with some more apple juice but still tasted amazing and was such a comforting drink. Also made the apartment small fantastic.

PUL small logo PUL Team - July 13, 2021, 4:11 a.m.

A huge thank you for the review, Kirstyn! Great idea to add more apple juice to adjust the flavour 😊


Darcy Johnson - April 14, 2021, 11:20 a.m.

Soo yummy!

PUL small logo PUL Team - April 16, 2021, 6:48 p.m.

Thank you, Darcy!