The cold season is fast approaching. We are all finding affordable ways to keep warm and cozy by this time. Purchasing that cup of warm pumpkin spice latte on a daily basis may burn a hole in your pocket. Why not try making this hot mulled cider recipe at home instead?
This recipe is a non-alcoholic version, so it’s also great for kids. However, if you want an adult version, you can also add in your favorite bourbon, brandy or rum.
Also, take note that apple cider is different from apple cider vinegar, so make sure to check the labels carefully!
Total time to prep and cook: 5 minutes + 25 minutes = 30 minutes
Makes about 2 Liters
INGREDIENTS
- 2 Liters of fresh, unfiltered non-alcoholic apple cider
- 12 cloves
- 15 allspice berries
- 4 sticks of cinnamon, about 3 inches
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground nutmeg
- 7 cardamom pods
- 1 medium-sized orange
- 2 Tbsp muscovado sugar
PROCEDURE
- Pour the non-alcoholic apple cider into a 3-liter saucepan, along with the allspice berries. Put on the cover and turn the heat on medium-high.
- While cider is heating up, peel a couple of thick strips of orange peel. Press six cloves into the orange peel. You can also slice the orange into quarters and drop them in with the cloves.
- Put the orange, peeled strips, the rest of the cloves, and the remaining ingredients into the saucepan with the cider. Cover the saucepan again and heat the mulled cider mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low. Simmer on low setting for about 20 minutes.
- Before serving, use a cheesecloth or fine strainer to strain out the cloves, orange, and the rest of the spices from the mulled cider.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve hot.
Money Tips
Purchasing the spices in bulk will help you save money. These are dried out so they can last a long time. Just make sure to store them in an airtight or sealed container to maintain their potency until the next time you’ll need them.
Got some leftover mulled cider? Once cooled, you can store this in a pitcher inside your fridge for about a week. Next time you want a drink, just pour some in a mug and reheat in the microwave.
Maria Emilce Rodriguez, or Em, as her friends and colleagues know her, has been a Staff Blogger/ Media Communications Specialist with District Media Finance Inc. since 2014. She never knew how to cook growing up, however, when she reached her 20s she developed a passion focusing on baking and even took short courses offered at Chocolate Lover Inc. She also used to sell her baked goods and bring in the food she cooked for her co-workers at her former corporate job. Nowadays, during her free time, she still hones her cooking and baking skills, testing out new recipes for her friends and family members to try.
