One of the many things I love about fall is getting cider from apple orchard. While a glass of cold cider with a warm donut is delicious, do you know what else hits the spot? Hot stove top mulled cider. Ready in just about 30 minutes, it can warm you up after a cool day of Fall play.
This is so simple to make. Simply place the ingredients in a pot, heat until simmering (not boiling though), and allow to simmer for about 30 minutes. I use a mini mesh strainer when pouring the cider into a mug so that I can put the spices back in the cider, and so I don’t eat a whole clove. I simply place the strainer on top of the mug then use a ladle to pour cider into the mug.
Stove Top Mulled Cider
Ingredients
- 5 cups apple cider
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 teaspoons whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon piece of whole nutmeg
- about a 1/4th of an orange peel
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a pot and allow to simmer for about 30 minutes. Don't let the cider come to a boil.
See how simple this stove top mulled cider is! It’s nice that it is ready so quickly. It also tastes delicious with a splash of spiced rum if you want to spike it a little. I’ve been working on a crock pot recipe, but so far they haven’t turned out as tasty as this.
I highly suggest using fresh, unpasteurized cider. There is just something about it that tastes so good. I’ve picked up other apple cider from the store before, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the stuff from the orchard. I usually buy an extra gallon or two of cider (you can freeze it! Just dump out about a cup to leave room for expansion), but since we are down to one fridge we don’t have any room in our freezer. Thankfully the orchard down the street is open till Thanksgiving Eve, so I can still get some fresh cider.
Also, if you are looking for a mulled alcoholic drink, check out my crock pot mulled sangria. Made with cider and white wine, and so tasty.