Description
A comforting, aromatic winter beverage made by gently simmering apple cider with oranges, cinnamon, cloves, and other warm spices. This naturally gluten-free and vegan drink is ready in 20 minutes and perfect for cozy nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 gallon (3.8 liters) 100% pure apple cider
- 1 large orange (juiced and sliced into wedges with peel attached)
- 3–4 large cinnamon sticks
- 10–12 whole cloves
- 2–3 star anise
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger (sliced into coins)
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Wash the orange thoroughly and slice it into 4-6 wedges, keeping the peel attached. Score the peel to release oils. Slice the ginger into thin coins.
- Pour the apple cider into a large stockpot or Dutch oven.
- Add the orange wedges, ginger slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, allspice, peppercorns, and brown sugar (if using). Stir gently to dissolve the sugar.
- Turn heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Once simmering, reduce heat to low and let it steep for 15-20 minutes. For deeper flavor, keep on low heat for up to 2 hours without boiling.
- Taste the cider and adjust sweetness or spice level if needed.
- Turn off the heat and strain out all fruit and spices using a slotted spoon or spider strainer.
- Ladle into mugs and garnish with a fresh cinnamon stick or orange slice. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not boil the cider as it can make the flavor flat or metallic. Use whole spices instead of ground to avoid grittiness. If adding alcohol (rum, bourbon, brandy), stir it in after heating to preserve the alcohol content. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 30
Keywords: mulled cider, warm apple cider, winter drink, holiday beverage, gluten-free, vegan, cozy recipes, stovetop drink