Enjoy this warming spiced apple cider with a combination of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger - the ultimate fall/winter beverage! Enjoy Christmas in a cup with this sugar-free, alcohol-free, Mulled apple cider.
Wash and chop the apples (I usually half or quarter - big enough to fit into my juicer chute) then pass them through your juicer.If you're using a blender: you'll need to add a little water to the blender to help it along. Once blended, strain it through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag. Peel the apples beforehand if preferred. Check all my top tips for how to make apple juice (manual method included) here.
Sieve the apple juice to remove any leftover pulp and foam.You can leave some of this inside the juice if preferred. Alternatively, check out my recipe notes section for suggestions on how to use this leftover apple pulp.
Zest one of the oranges. Then juice the oranges using your preferred method. You can check my top 3 methods here.
Add the apple juice, orange zest and juice, spices, and ginger to a large enough saucepan. I also add water to dilute the drink a bit - add more or less to preference (you can also add it at the end).
Bring to a boil over medium heat and reduce to a simmer. The longer you simmer, the more intense the flavor will become so I suggest giving it a try once it's boiled and then continuing to try every 5-10 minutes for up to an hour.If you want a slightly less concentrated flavor then you can add a little water to your preferred level.
Once ready, serve the mulled apple cider warm. Optionally serve with a cinnamon stick and/or slice of orange in each glass for that pièce de résistance.
How To Store
And leftover spiced apple cider (wassail) can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated (once only) as needed.
Notes
To make the mulled apple cider using a slow cooker: add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours. Keep on the warming function to serve at an event/party.Optional Add-ins and Variations
Other citrus: you can swap out the orange for another citrus including lemons, clementines, or satsumas.
Extra spices: feel free to switch up the spices with your favorites. These all add flavor to the apple cider: nutmeg, bay leaves, black peppercorns, cardamom, allspice berries, juniper berries, coriander seeds, even hibiscus tea, etc. You could even add some vanilla extract or an opened vanilla bean.
Cranberries: a great addition - especially around Christmas time. You can add fresh cranberries, frozen, or even just a splash of cranberry juice.
Sweetener: though the apple juice is naturally sweet, you may find you want to add a little additional sugar. Brown sugar, maple syrup, and sugar-free options like erythritol would all work.
For hot Spiked apple cider: you can add rum (plain or spiced), bourbon, brandy, or even a little wine (like Madeira wine). You could also swap out some or all of the apple cider with alcoholic apple cider or use some apple brandy like Calvados.
Top tips:
To use the leftover apple pulp: add it to smoothies, porridge/oatmeal, overnight oats, add to broths, into baked goods like muffins and bread, into popsicles, and more.
If you're making it for an event, then you can serve it straight from a crockpot on the "warming" function, or within an insulated thermos/coffee dispenser.
If you're unable to juice the apples yourself then lookout for a local unpasteurized fresh apple cider/juice to buy.
Check the blog post for more tips and answers to top FAQs!