Leslie Massey
Mulled cider is a delicious and fragrant drink that is perfect for cold winter nights. It is usually made by simmering apple cider with various spices and fruits, such as cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and oranges. The drink can be served hot or cold, making it a versatile option for any time of the year. In Australia, where Christmas falls during the summer, some people even choose to serve their mulled cider chilled. Whether enjoyed warm or cold, mulled cider is a delightful beverage that can be easily made at home with just a few simple ingredients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Apple cider or apple juice, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice berries, oranges, lemons, apples, nutmeg, star anise, maple syrup, honey, brandy, rum |
| Equipment | Slow cooker, saucepan, stove, microwave, oven |
| Temperature | Below boiling, 70°C or 160°F, LOW heat setting, 20-30 minutes |
| Serving suggestions | Hot or warm, chilled, strained or unstrained, with fresh sliced fruit |
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Choosing your cider
When it comes to choosing your cider, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can opt for store-bought apple cider, which is unfiltered apple juice that can be found at most supermarkets or liquor stores. This is a convenient choice if you want a quick and easy option. Alternatively, you can make your own apple cider by juicing different types of apples at home. This allows you to customise the flavour and add a pulpy texture to your cider. You can also use a combination of store-bought and fresh-squeezed apple juice to strike a balance between convenience and flavour.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own apple cider from scratch by following a more traditional process. This involves pressing and fermenting apples to create a more authentic cider base for your mulled drink. However, this option requires more time and specialised equipment, so it may not be feasible for everyone.
When selecting your cider, it's important to consider the flavour profile you want to achieve. Different types of apples will give your cider a unique taste, ranging from sweet to tart. You can experiment with different varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples to find the perfect flavour for your palate. Additionally, you can add other ingredients to enhance the flavour of your cider. Some popular choices include maple syrup, which adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavour, or honey, which provides a richer, more floral note.
Another factor to consider is the alcohol content of your cider. Traditionally, mulled cider is a non-alcoholic beverage, but you can easily turn it into a festive cocktail by adding a splash of rum, brandy, whiskey, or bourbon. If you plan on serving your mulled cider to guests, you can set out bottles of liquor next to the cider so that each person can spike their drink according to their preference. This way, you can accommodate both non-alcoholic and alcoholic preferences.
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Selecting spices
When selecting spices for your mulled cider, there are a variety of options to choose from. Cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice berries are commonly used in mulled cider recipes. You can also add other spices such as cardamom, star anise, and black peppercorns to give it a more complex flavour.
If you want to enhance the spiciness of your cider, consider using fresh ginger. Ginger not only adds a unique zing to your drink but also provides a host of health benefits.
For a more subtle spice profile, opt for ground spices such as ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg. These spices will infuse more delicately into your cider, creating a smoother, milder flavour.
Additionally, you can experiment with spice combinations to find your preferred taste. Some people like to bundle the spices in cheesecloth or place them in a tea ball to make it easier to remove them later. This ensures that your cider is not overwhelmed by the spices, and you can adjust the spice level to your liking.
Remember, the beauty of making mulled cider is that you can customise it to your taste preferences. So, feel free to mix and match spices, adjusting the quantities to create a cider that warms your soul.
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Adding fruit
While apple cider is the base of mulled cider, the addition of fruits like oranges, clementines, mandarins, pomegranates, lemons, and apples can enhance its flavour and nutritional content. Here are some tips for adding fruit to your mulled cider:
Oranges
Oranges are a popular choice for adding a citrusy flavour to mulled cider. Cut a medium orange into 1/4-inch-thick rounds and add them directly to the cider as it simmers. Alternatively, you can stud the oranges with cloves before adding them to the cider, which not only infuses the drink with orange flavour but also makes for an attractive garnish.
Clementines and Mandarins
If you can't find clementines, mandarins make a suitable alternative. These small, sweet citrus fruits can be added to the cider in the same way as oranges, providing a slightly different flavour profile.
Pomegranates
Pomegranates add a unique flavour and a burst of colour to your mulled cider. You can add the seeds directly to the cider or squeeze the juice and add it to the mixture.
Apples
Since apple cider is made from apples, adding additional apples can enhance the flavour. You can use a juicer to create fresh apple juice and add it to the cider, or you can chop apples into slices or chunks and simmer them with the cider to infuse their flavour.
Lemons
Lemons contribute a bright, tangy flavour to the mulled cider. Similar to oranges, you can add lemon slices or just the lemon peel to the cider as it simmers.
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Heating methods
There are several ways to heat mulled cider, depending on the equipment you have available and the number of servings.
For a single serving, you can heat your cider in the microwave. Simply pour your cider into a mug and microwave until warmed through.
For multiple servings, you can use a pot or a saucepan on the stove. Pour your cider into the pot or pan and heat on low heat until warmed through. This method is suitable for larger batches of mulled cider.
Another option for multiple servings is to use a slow cooker. This method is ideal for serving a crowd as it can mull the cider and keep it warm for hours. Place your cider, spices, and other ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours.
Finally, you can also heat your mulled cider in the oven. Preheat your oven to the desired temperature and pour your cider into an oven-safe dish. Heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Regardless of the heating method you choose, always be careful not to overheat your cider, as this can affect the taste and texture. It's also important to stir the cider occasionally, especially if heating for an extended period, to ensure even heating and prevent scorching.
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Serving suggestions
Mulled cider is a great non-alcoholic drink option for holidays and gatherings. It can be served hot or warm, or even chilled if you're celebrating Christmas in the Australian summer.
If you're serving a crowd, a slow cooker is a great option as it can mull the cider and keep it warm for hours. You can also reheat mulled cider in a pot on the stove over low heat, or in a mug in the microwave.
For a festive touch, garnish your mulled cider with additional orange slices or a cinnamon stick. If you're feeling extra fancy, you can even stick cloves into whole oranges for a drink that looks as good as it tastes.
For adult-only gatherings, you can set out bottles of alcohol like rum, rye whiskey, or bourbon next to the mulled cider so guests can spike their drinks. Alternatively, you can stir in a splash of rum or brandy while the cider is still warm to turn it into a batch cocktail. Just be sure to clearly label the drink as spiked to avoid any confusion.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need apple cider, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, oranges, and optional spices such as nutmeg, star anise, cardamom, allspice, and honey.
You can make mulled cider in a slow cooker, a large saucepan, or on the stovetop. You will also need a way to strain the cider if you don't want bits of spices in your drink, such as a tea ball, cheesecloth, or coffee filter.
If you are making mulled cider on the stovetop, it should take around 10-30 minutes. If you are using a slow cooker, you should slow cook the cider for around 4 hours on low.
Yes, you can add a splash of rum, rye whiskey, bourbon, or brandy to your mulled cider.
