Mulling Spices Apple Cider
Recipe Tested & Approved by Mia Hartwell
Every recipe is developed, cooked, and tested by Mia in a real home kitchen using everyday ingredients to ensure reliable, repeatable results.
A warm, fragrant mulled apple cider gently simmered with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and star anise. It fills the house with a cozy autumn aroma and has about 75 calories per cup. Add a splash of brandy for the grown-ups if you like.
By Mia HartwellUpdated August 29, 2025
Developed using tested cooking methods — cook to the temperatures given and adjust times to your equipment.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Cozy, fragrant fall and holiday drink
- About 75 calories per cup
- Easy on the stovetop or in a slow cooker
- Family-friendly, with an optional splash of brandy
Mulling Spices Apple Cider
40 min totalServes 5
Nutrition (per serving)
Values are estimates. See our disclaimer for details.
- Calories
- 75kcal
- Protein
- 0g
- Carbs
- 18g
- Fat
- 0g
- Fiber
- 0g
- Sugar
- 18g
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Warm a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast the cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, coriander, and star anise for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring, until fragrant. Do not let them burn.
- 2
Add the toasted spices and apple cider to a saucepan or slow cooker.
- 3
On the stovetop, cover and bring to a gentle simmer, then keep it hot without boiling for 20 to 30 minutes. In a slow cooker, set to HIGH and mull for about 4 hours, reducing to LOW if it starts to boil.
- 4
About 10 minutes before serving, taste and stir in honey or brown sugar a little at a time to balance the tartness. Add brandy now if using.
- 5
Strain out the spices, ladle the hot cider into mugs, and garnish with citrus peel or a fresh cinnamon stick.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Toasting the whole spices first brings out a much deeper, richer flavor.
- Keep it at a gentle simmer. Hard boiling drives off the aroma and any alcohol.
- Use a cloudy, unsweetened cider for the best flavor, and sweeten only if needed.
- Tie the spices in a small sachet for easy straining and tidy mugs.
Cooking from your phone or kitchen? Print this recipe or save it as a PDF to keep it handy.
How to Cook Mulling Spices Apple Cider
New to this dish? Follow along with the detailed guide below — we break down each stage so you get perfect results the very first time.
Toast the spices
Warming the whole spices in a dry skillet for under a minute releases their oils and deepens the flavor. Watch them closely so they get fragrant without burning, which would make the cider bitter.
Mull gently
Simmer the cider with the spices low and slow. A gentle simmer infuses the flavor without boiling off the aroma. The longer it mulls, the more pronounced the spice becomes.
Balance and serve
Near the end, taste and add a little honey or sugar to balance any tartness, and stir in brandy if using. Strain out the spices, then serve hot with a citrus peel or cinnamon stick.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 to 4 days. Strain the spices before reheating gently. Do not leave cider out for more than 2 hours.
Serving Suggestions
This mulling spices apple cider pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or your favorite grain. Add a simple side of roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it non-alcoholic?+
Yes. Simply leave out the brandy or bourbon. The spices give it plenty of warmth and flavor on their own.
Can I make it ahead?+
Yes. Refrigerate covered for up to 3 to 4 days. Strain the spices before reheating gently to steaming, not boiling.
Can I turn it into mulled wine?+
Use the same spices and method, substituting red wine for some of the cider, or add about 1/4 cup red wine per serving.
You might also like
Weight-Loss Jello
A light, sugar-free gelatin dessert with only about 10 calories per serving. It is an easy, guilt-free way to satisfy a sweet craving, and you can stir in protein powder for a more filling snack.
- Total time
- ⏱ 3 hr 10 min
- Calories
- 🔥 10 cal
- Protein
- 💪 0g protein
Jiffy Mix Corn Casserole
A rich, moist corn casserole made with Jiffy corn muffin mix, whole and cream-style corn, sour cream, and eggs. This classic comfort-food side bakes up golden and soft, somewhere between cornbread and corn pudding.
- Total time
- ⏱ 58 min
- Calories
- 🔥 390 cal
- Protein
- 💪 7g protein
Loved this recipe? Pin it so you can find it again — and explore more easy dinners.