Thoughmulled wine (gluhwein)is generally considered the most popular winter drink – at least in Europe –Mulled Cideris becoming increasingly common in the UK. As you can imagine, this warming drink is served almost universally in the cider pubs/barges/dungeons of the West Country at this time of year. With this recipe, it’s easy to bring the spicy, festive feeling of Mulled Cider home!
There are two things to remember when mulling; do not over-mull your cider and it’s best not to let it boil. Regarding the first point, 30 minutes should be sufficient to instill the flavours of your spices in the mulled cider – though taste as you go. Over-mulling your cider, or indeed wine, will only serve to mask the flavour of the cider, potentially to the point of unpleasantness. As for the second point, allowing the cider to boil will likely impair its flavour. Besides, it doesn’t need to be that hot – you’ll just scald yourself.
Mulled Cider
Serves 10-12
Ingredients:
- 1.5l dry farmhouse cider
- 6 cloves studded into an apple
- 4 star anise
- ¼ nutmeg, finely grated
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cardamom pods
- Apple juice to sweeten, around 1l
- Juice of 1 orange and 1 clementine
Method:
Heat all of the ingredients, except the apple juice, together for 30-40 minutes – do not boil. Sweeten to taste with some good-quality apple juice, pass through a sieve and serve.
Cost:You should certainly use good-quality cider for this recipe and while this increases the cost a little, it is certainly worth it. Still, using apple juice certainly makes the cider go a little further. As such, this large batch of mulled cider should set you back in the region of£6.
27 replies on “Mulled Cider”
Looks fabulous! And worthy of a hangover!
Indeed it was!
Big Man loves mulled wine and he loves cider so I will have to make this for him. Your cider looks gorgeous!
I’m sure he’ll love this
I could just do with a glass of this – very festive!
I want some more
Yum, this looks great I make my own cider and think I might try adding the spices while it’s brewing for a festive cider.
That sounds great, a fantastic idea!
What a great idea!! I had some mulled wine last night and thought of making some, but cider sounds even better! Will try out the Bristol Cider shop when I’m there after New Year, any other tips for must do/eat places?
Both are great and I have recipes for each :D. There are so many places to visit – it depends what sort of thing you like. There are great websites with info, or you could send me an email!
I’ve been looking for a good mulled cider recipe – so this is very timely. Thank you!
and it is a good one
Very nice Nick. I could see myself necking a pint of this along with last week’s cake.
Very festive,
Conor
Or two, Conor.
This looks really delicious! I made some cider last week for a party. You’re definitely right about not letting it boil.
Thank you – yes, boiling cider is a sin.
Wonderful winter drink!
It is indeed!
This is great – I’ve been looking for a mulled cider recipe for this year. I’ve already drunk way too much gluhwein this year and need a change!
Hah – not too much of a change, but just enough to allow yourself to drink more. I like it.
Oo yum!!! This on my to do list now for over Christmas!
Serve it on Christmas morning – you’ll be adored
ahh this is the stuff of cold weather
It is indeed! Very warming.
I love mulled cider! I’ve always used pre-packed mulling spices though, I want to try this out
OH don’t do that – so expensive! Much cheaper and better to go it alone! Please do.
[…] With regards to the sugar and water, I feel they are entirely necessary. Without the water, glühwein is a little bit too much of a kick in the face and without the sugar it fails to achieve the levels of comforting viscosity required. The land lies similarly with the cardamom and star anise, since they add rather a lot to the general spiciness of the drink! This recipe really is spot on – I hope you’re looking forward to my recipe for mulled cider! […]