Mulled Spiced Cider with Citrus & Cinnamon
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🌿 Introduction
There’s nothing like the fragrance of mulled cider filling the house on a crisp autumn evening. Cinnamon, cloves, and citrus simmer together with apple cider, creating a drink that warms more than just your hands—it warms the soul.
For me, mulled cider is less about the recipe and more about the ritual: gathering, sipping slowly, and letting the season’s flavors linger. It’s a reminder that hospitality can be as simple as sharing a warm mug.
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍊 Bright with citrus, cozy with spices
- 🫖 Easy one-pot preparation
- 🍯 Naturally sweet—no extra sugar needed
- 🍎 Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or quiet evenings
📋 Quick Reference Snapshot
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Skill: Easy
- Equipment: Large pot, ladle, strainer (optional)
- Dietary: Vegan, gluten-free
Key Ingredients at a Glance: Apple cider, orange, cinnamon, cloves, star anise
🌿 Ingredients
- 2 quarts (8 cups) apple cider 🍎
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds 🍊
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- 2 star anise (optional)
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- Optional garnish: extra orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or cranberries
🔄 Seasonal Swaps
- 🍐 Use pear cider for a softer, sweeter flavor
- 🌼 Add chamomile or hibiscus for floral notes
- 🍋 Try lemon instead of orange for sharper brightness
- 🥃 Add a splash of bourbon or rum for an adult version
🌱 From My Garden
Though cider itself comes from orchards, I love to tuck in what I can from the garden—sprigs of herbs, slices of ginger I’ve grown in pots, even dried citrus peel I’ve saved from summer. It feels like weaving the whole year’s harvest into one pot of warmth.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Build the Base
- Pour apple cider into a large pot.
- Add orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and ginger.
Simmer
3. Bring just to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Reduce heat to low and let steep 20–30 minutes.
Serve
5. Strain if desired, or ladle directly into mugs.
6. Garnish with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or cranberries.
🍽️ Serving & Pairing Suggestions
- Serve with Pumpkin Seed Snack Mix with Spices & Cranberries
- Pair with Rosemary Shortbread Cookies (Scottish Garden Twist)
- Enjoy alongside Apple Crisp with Oats & Warm Spices
🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store leftovers in fridge up to 3 days
- Reheat gently on stove (avoid boiling to preserve flavors)
- Can be made a few hours ahead and kept warm in a slow cooker
🤝 Community & Connection
- Instagram — Share your golden trays and tag me @southersoils 🌿📸
- Subscribe — Weekly recipes, seasonal tips, and free printable guides ✉️🍂
- Facebook Group — A warm community to swap ideas and share what’s growing 🌱🫶
🛒 Favorites from My Kitchen to Yours
- Enamel stockpot for gentle simmering 🍲
- Heatproof glass mugs for serving ☕
- Ladle with hook for easy pouring 🥄
- Spice sachets or reusable tea bags for tidy steeping 🌿
🌻 Related on Southern Soil Sunshine
- Chamomile Tea with Honey & Evening Blessing
- Golden Milk Latte with Turmeric, Ginger & Honey
- Citrus & Herb Tea with Mint, Lemon Balm & Orange Peel
💭 Final Thoughts
Mulled cider reminds me that warmth can be shared in the simplest ways. A pot on the stove, a few spices, a circle of friends—and suddenly, the evening is filled with comfort. 💛
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