Mulled Cider

Name: Mulled Cider
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 50 min
Yield: About 7 cups (about 8 to 10 servings)
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon green cardamom pods, lightly crushed; 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns; 1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds; 6 whole cloves; 2 whole star anise pods; 8 cups/1/2 gallon quality apple cider, preferably unfiltered; 1/4 cup/2 ounces pineapple juice (optional); 1 (3-inch) piece fresh ginger, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces; Peel of 1 lemon; 2 bay leaves; Pinch of flaky sea salt; 2 tablespoons/1 ounce fresh lemon juice

By Rebekah Peppler

Published Dec. 13, 2024

Total Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: About 1 hour
Rating: 5(23)
Comments: Read comments

A far cry from often overly sweet, heavily scented mulled ciders, this contemporary version combines apple cider with cardamom, coriander, black pepper, cloves, star anise and fresh ginger. The optional (but highly recommended) addition of pineapple juice introduces tropical, fruity notes, while fresh lemon juice and a small pinch of salt help temper the apple cider’s inherent sweetness. If you prefer your mulled cider spiked, add a splash of whiskey, Calvados, rum, Cognac or amaro to individual mugs.

Featured in: How to Turn Up the Heat on Your Mulled Cocktails

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Ingredients

Yield:About 7 cups (about 8 to 10 servings)

1tablespoon green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
2teaspoons whole black peppercorns
1teaspoon whole coriander seeds
6whole cloves
2whole star anise pods
8cups/½ gallon quality apple cider, preferably unfiltered
¼cup/2 ounces pineapple juice (optional)
1(3-inch) piece fresh ginger, sliced into ½-inch pieces
Peel of 1 lemon
2bay leaves
Pinch of flaky sea salt
2tablespoons/1 ounce fresh lemon juice

Ingredient Substitution Guide

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Preparation

Step 1
In a large Dutch oven or pot set over medium-high heat, add the crushed cardamom pods, peppercorns, coriander seeds, cloves and star anise. Toast, stirring frequently, until the spices are fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 2
Add the apple cider, pineapple juice (if using), ginger, lemon peel, bay leaves and salt to the pan. Bring to a simmer, then adjust the heat to low and continue to gently simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. Strain the mulled cider through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids and return to the pan. Stir in the lemon juice; serve warm.