Description
A warm, spiced, non-alcoholic autumn drink made with fresh apple cider, orange, and whole spices. It is easy to make, customizable, and perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 gallon (3.8 liters) fresh-pressed apple cider
- 1 large orange (zested and sliced into rounds)
- 3–4 cinnamon sticks
- 6–8 whole cloves
- 2 star anise pods
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 4–5 cardamom pods (crushed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
- Ice or fresh fruit for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the orange thoroughly. Zest it, then slice it into rounds, removing any seeds.
- Measure out the spices. If using cardamom pods, lightly crush them with the back of a knife to open them.
- Pour the apple cider into a large stockpot or Dutch oven.
- Add the orange slices (with zest), cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, peppercorns, and cardamom pods to the pot.
- Stir gently to combine. Add honey or maple syrup if desired.
- Turn heat to medium-high and bring the cider to a gentle simmer (small bubbles around edges).
- Immediately reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not boil.
- Taste the cider and adjust spices or sweetness if needed.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Strain the cider through a fine-mesh sieve into mugs or a pitcher to remove spices and fruit.
- Garnish with fresh orange slices and cinnamon sticks. Serve warm.
Notes
Do not boil the cider as high heat can make it taste bitter and flat. Use whole spices rather than ground spices to avoid a gritty texture. This drink can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; flavors often improve overnight. If serving alcohol, add bourbon, rum, or brandy at the very end just before serving to prevent burning off the alcohol.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 30
Keywords: mulled cider, apple cider mocktail, fall drinks, holiday drinks, non-alcoholic, cozy autumn, warm drinks, gluten-free, vegan