Go Back
–+ servings
Stovetop Hot Spiced Cider 1

Stovetop Hot Spiced Cider

This easy mulled apple cider recipe transforms ordinary apple juice into a warm, aromatic beverage that embodies the essence of fall comfort. The magic happens when simple ingredients meld together on your stovetop, filling your home with the irresistible scent of autumn.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Optimal Simmering Time 1 hour
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 16 cups
Calories 115 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Cheesecloth or Tea Infuser (optional)
  • Fine-mesh Sieve

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients

  • 1 gallon apple cider or apple juice fresh
  • 3 cinnamon sticks or 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon in a tea infuser
  • 1 tsp whole cloves
  • 1 tsp whole allspice berries
  • 1 whole nutmeg cracked (or ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg)
  • 1 orange sliced into rounds
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar optional, adjust to taste
  • 2 inch fresh ginger sliced (optional for extra warmth)

Instructions
 

  • Pour the apple cider or juice into a large pot or Dutch oven. If using whole spices, consider placing them in a cheesecloth bag or tea infuser for easy removal later. Alternatively, add them directly to the liquid. For ground spices, place them in a tea infuser or small cheesecloth bundle.
  • Lightly crush the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and allspice berries with the back of a spoon before adding them to release more oils and intensify the flavor.
  • Add the orange slices and optional ginger to the pot, along with any sweeteners you're using.
  • Place the pot over medium heat and slowly bring to a simmer. Once you see tiny bubbles forming around the edges, reduce the heat to low. Never let the cider boil.
  • Let the cider simmer on low heat for at least 20 minutes, though 1 hour provides optimal flavor infusion. Stir occasionally to ensure even heat distribution.
  • When ready to serve, strain the cider through a fine-mesh sieve or remove the spice bundle. Ladle the hot spiced cider into mugs and garnish with fresh orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

Notes

Warm your serving mugs with hot water first – this keeps your cider hot longer and enhances the aromatic experience.
The ideal temperature range is 160-180°F (71-82°C) – hot enough to extract flavors but low enough to prevent evaporation of the aromatic compounds.
Cover the pot partially with a lid to contain the aromas while still allowing some reduction to concentrate flavors.
For a slow cooker version, combine all ingredients and heat on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.

Nutrition

Calories: 115kcalCarbohydrates: 28gSodium: 10mgPotassium: 150mgSugar: 24gVitamin C: 10mg
Keyword Hot Cider, Spiced Cider, Mulled Cider, Fall Drink, Winter Beverage
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!