The Pioneer Woman’s Mulled Apple Cider Recipe
The Pioneer Woman’s Mulled Apple Cider is a warm, spiced beverage perfect for cozy gatherings and chilly evenings. Made with fresh apples, orange peel, aromatic spices like allspice berries and cinnamon sticks, and balanced with a touch of sugar and optional brandy, this drink offers a flavorful and comforting taste of fall and winter seasons.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Mulled Cider Ingredients
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 3 Granny Smith apples, diced
- 1 orange, rind peeled in large pieces
- 1 tablespoon allspice berries
- 5–7 cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup apple brandy or regular brandy (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Apple Cider: Pour the apple cider into a large pot and place it over medium-high heat to warm up the base for your mulled cider.
- Add the Apples: Dice the Granny Smith apples into small pieces and toss them into the warming cider to infuse fresh apple flavor.
- Prepare and Add Orange Peel: Peel the rind off the orange in large pieces, avoiding the bitter white pith, and add these peel pieces to the pot for a citrusy aroma.
- Add Spices and Cranberries: Add the allspice berries, cinnamon sticks, and fresh cranberries to the pot to provide warm, festive spice notes and a pop of color.
- Sweeten the Mixture: Stir in the 1/2 cup of sugar thoroughly to dissolve it evenly, enhancing the natural sweetness of the cider and fruits.
- Simmer the Cider: Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Allow it to simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour to fully develop flavors.
- Add Brandy and Final Simmer: If using brandy, stir it in at this stage and let the cider simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the mulled cider into mugs or cups and serve warm for a comforting and aromatic seasonal treat.
Notes
- Use a large pot or slow cooker for best results depending on your preference for hands-off cooking.
- Adjust the sugar quantity according to desired sweetness.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the brandy.
- To intensify the spice flavor, crush the allspice berries slightly before adding.
- The mulled cider can be reheated gently and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: mulled cider, apple cider recipe, warm apple drink, fall beverage, spiced cider, holiday drink
