Winter Spice Mulled Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Cloves
Warm and comforting mulled apple cider infused with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a hint of orange zest, perfect for chilly evenings. This general-inspired cocktails & beverages ready in about 35 minutes brings together Apple cider, sticks Cinnamon sticks, Whole cloves for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 6, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Apple cider
- 3 sticks Cinnamon sticks
- 8 Whole cloves
- 1 tsp Orange zest
- 2 whole Star anise
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1-inch piece, sliced Fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup Water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, combine 6 cups apple cider, 3 cinnamon sticks, 8 whole cloves, 2 whole star anise, 1 tsp orange zest, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1-inch sliced fresh ginger, and 1/2 cup water.
- Step 2: Heat over medium heat until the mixture just begins to simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it gently simmer for 25 minutes to allow the spices to infuse and the cider to warm through.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and strain out the spices and ginger slices using a fine mesh sieve.
- Step 4: Serve warm in mugs, optionally garnished with an additional cinnamon stick or orange slice for aroma and presentation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Winter Spice Mulled Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Cloves take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (5 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Winter Spice Mulled Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Cloves?
Refrigerate any leftover winter spice mulled apple cider with cinnamon and cloves in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Winter Spice Mulled Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Cloves?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Winter Spice Mulled Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Cloves for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Winter Spice Mulled Apple Cider with Cinnamon and Cloves?
General cocktails & beverages like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
