Mulled Pomegranate & Apple Cider

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A fragrant winter drink that warms hands, hearts, and homes.

🌿 Introduction

There are few things more comforting than a pot of cider simmering on the stove — the way it fills the air with cinnamon and citrus, how it invites everyone to slow down for a moment of togetherness. This Mulled Pomegranate & Apple Cider is one of those simple December pleasures that feels both festive and deeply grounding.

I first made it on a gray afternoon while writing Christmas cards. The scent of cloves and orange peel felt like a prayer rising through the air — a reminder that even in the quiet, there’s joy. Pomegranate adds a ruby richness to this classic drink, giving it a color as vivid as the season itself.

It’s not just a beverage; it’s a ritual — a way to welcome warmth, hospitality, and peace into your space.

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cozy, aromatic, and beautifully festive.
• Naturally caffeine-free and easy to make non-alcoholic.
• Makes your home smell like Christmas itself.
• Simple to prepare for gatherings or slow evenings.
• Can be made in a pot or slow cooker.

🕰️ Quick Reference Snapshot

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings
Skill Level: Easy
Equipment: Large pot or slow cooker, ladle, strainer
Dietary Info: Vegan, gluten-free

🍎 Ingredients

(US + Metric)

• 4 cups (960 mL) apple cider
• 2 cups (480 mL) pomegranate juice
• 1 orange, sliced
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 star anise pods (optional, for depth)
• 1-inch (2.5 cm) piece of fresh ginger, sliced
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
• Pomegranate arils and orange slices, for garnish

🌱 Seasonal Swaps

• Use cranberry juice instead of pomegranate for a tangier flavor.
• Add rosemary sprigs or thyme for an herbal twist.
• For a festive adult version, stir in a splash of red wine or rum just before serving.

🌿 From My Garden

This drink always reminds me of the herbs and fruit I’ve tended through the year — rosemary from summer, dried orange peel from autumn, and the thyme that still holds green through winter. I sometimes float a single rosemary sprig in the pot, like a whisper of the garden meeting the warmth of the holidays.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Simmer

1. Combine apple cider, pomegranate juice, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, and ginger in a large pot.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat (do not boil).
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.

Finish

1. Stir in honey or maple syrup if desired.
2. Strain before serving for a clear, aromatic cider.
3. Garnish mugs with fresh pomegranate arils or orange slices.

🍽 Serving & Pairing Suggestions

• Serve warm in mugs with cinnamon sticks for stirring.
• Pairs beautifully with Herbal Energy Bites or Savory Herb Scones.
• Offer as a non-alcoholic option alongside holiday meals like Butternut Squash Lasagna.
• Perfect for church gatherings, cozy family nights, or winter journaling time.
• Enjoy beside a slice of Romanian Cozonac (Sweet Walnut Bread) for a comforting treat.

🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead

• Keeps up to 3 days in the refrigerator; reheat gently before serving.
• Can be made in a slow cooker and kept warm for hours during gatherings.
• Freeze leftover cider in ice cube trays for future use in teas or cocktails.

✨ Final Thoughts

This cider feels like warmth made visible — bright, fragrant, and full of peace. As you stir and taste, let the spices remind you of everything good that’s been simmering in your own life this year — love, endurance, faith, and simple beauty.

May your home smell of cinnamon and joy this season, and may your cup — literally and spiritually — be full. 🍎💛

🤝 Community & Connection

• Instagram — Daily garden moments & behind-the-scenes; tag your dish so I can cheer you on! 🌿📸
• Subscribe — Fresh recipes, seasonal tips, and printable freebies delivered weekly. ✉🍂
• Join FB Group — Ask questions, swap ideas, and share what’s growing with a kind, garden-loving community. 🌱🫶

🛒 Favorites from My Kitchen to Yours

(Some of these links are affiliate links. That simply means if you decide to order, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Southern Soil Sunshine—it helps me keep sharing recipes from my kitchen and garden with you. 💛)

• Enamel pot — perfect for slow simmering cider.
• Citrus zester — brings brightness to winter drinks.
• Glass mugs — beautiful for serving warm, spiced beverages.

🌻 Related on Southern Soil Sunshine

• [Herbal Energy Bites] — A wholesome snack to pair with your cider.
• [Savory Herb Scones with Garden Jam] — Cozy and fragrant for teatime.
• [Coconut Cardamom Rice Pudding] — A creamy dessert companion.
• [Romanian Cozonac (Sweet Walnut Bread)] — A sweet, traditional pairing.
• [Butternut Squash Lasagna with Spinach & Ricotta] — A comforting dinner before your warm cup of cider.