Non Alcoholic Mulled Cider
Warm, spiced apple cider infused with cinnamon, star anise, cranberries, and a touch of maple syrup. Perfect for cozy gatherings and cold weather sipping.
Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple cider fresh or unfiltered preferred
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 orange rind remove white pith
- 6 cinnamon sticks whole sticks, not ground
- 3 star anise pods
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup pure maple syrup works best
- 1 tablespoon allspice berries whole berries preferred
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional Garnishes:
- Orange slices
- Fresh cranberries
- Cinnamon sticks
- Apple slices
Instructions
- Stovetop Method:
- Pour 1 gallon of apple cider into a large saucepan or stockpot.
- Add cranberries, orange rind (colored outer layer only), cinnamon sticks, star anise, and allspice berries.
- Stir in maple syrup and vanilla extract.
- Heat over medium-high heat until mixture reaches a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more intense the flavors.
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove spices and cranberries before serving.
- Ladle into mugs and garnish with orange slices, cranberries, apple slices, or cinnamon sticks.
- Slow Cooker Method:
- Add all ingredients to slow cooker in the order listed above.
- Set to LOW and cook for 3 hours.
- Keep on warm setting for serving throughout your event.
- Strain before serving if desired.
- Instant Pot Method:
- Add all ingredients to Instant Pot.
- Seal lid and cook on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release.
- Strain and serve hot.
Notes
Quality Matters: Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider from the produce section for best flavor.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste halfway through cooking and add more maple syrup if needed. Honey or brown sugar can be substituted.
Spice Variations: Add whole cloves, fresh ginger, or cardamom pods for extra warmth and complexity.
Storage: Store strained cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently without boiling.
Freezing: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently.
Don't Skip Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
Strain for Clarity: Use a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth bag to keep spices contained during cooking for perfectly clear cider.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste halfway through cooking and add more maple syrup if needed. Honey or brown sugar can be substituted.
Spice Variations: Add whole cloves, fresh ginger, or cardamom pods for extra warmth and complexity.
Storage: Store strained cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently without boiling.
Freezing: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently.
Don't Skip Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
Strain for Clarity: Use a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth bag to keep spices contained during cooking for perfectly clear cider.