Ditch the mulled wine this Christmas and make mulled cider or mulled apple juice instead. It’s lighter, fruitier and more refreshing.
I’m not quite sure why mulled wine has become such a classic British drink at Christmas. Apple cider is a more traditional beverage after all. I’m as partial to a glass or two of mulled wine as anyone else, but given the choice I’d go for mulled cider every time. It has a lighter, fruitier and more refreshing taste. You don’t need to add as much sugar either.
Mulled apple juice can be served alongside or even instead of, allowing drinkers and non-drinkers alike to join in the festive cheer.
Mulled Cider or Mulled Apple Juice
At a time of year when it’s cold, wet or grey, a drop of mulled cider or apple juice is warming, cheering and tasty. It also acts as an air freshener for the house, filling it with the scent of fruit and spices.
Mulled cider or mulled apple juice is very easy to make, the main thing that’s required is time for the flavours to infuse. Stud an organic orange with cloves, slice some apples, throw in a cinnamon stick, some cardamom pods and a grating of nutmeg and you’re done.
A dash of calvados, if you have it to hand, can add to the general merriment. If you’re really pushed for time, you could just use an organic mulled cider spices pouch from Steenbergs.
Let’s get hygge. A glass of mulled cider or apple juice is at its best when accompanied by a mince pie or even a chilli and chocolate mincemeat slice. Christmas has arrived, let the feasting begin.
So how about ditching the mulled wine this year and trying mulled cider instead? Serve it warm in glasses or mugs with a slice of apple and a cinnamon stick for a final flourish.
Mulled Apple Cider Top Tip
Heat the the apple cider to an almost simmer, but don’t let it actually boil. If you do you’ll start to lose the alcohol content, in which case you might just as well use apple juice.
Other Festive Drink Recipes You Might Like
- Apple Mac: a Christmas cocktail via Tin and Thyme
- Feeney’s gingerbread latte martini via Domestic Gothess
- Gin & Appletiser – a refreshing Christmas cocktail via Fuss Free Flavours
- Gingerbread hot chocolate via Tin and Thyme
- Mulled gin and ginger beer winter warmer via Foodie Quine
Keep in Touch
Thanks for visiting Tin and Thyme. If you make this mulled cider or apple juice, Iβd love to hear about it in the comments below. And do please rate the recipe. Have you any top tips? Do share photos on social media too and use the hashtag #tinandthyme, so I can spot them.
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For more festive recipes, head on over to the Tin and Thyme Advent calendar where you’ll find a delicious Christmas recipe from a fellow blogger behind each door. And don’t forget to head over to the Tin and Thyme Christmas gift guide if you’re in need of ideas for food loving friends and family.
Choclette x
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Mulled Cider – The Recipe
Mulled Cider or Mulled Apple Juice
Ingredients
- 25 cl water
- 1-2 tbsp golden granulated sugar for mulled cider only
- 1 organic orange
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cardamom pods
- grating of nutmeg
- 1 litre apple cider or apple juice
- 1 dessert apple sliced
- 1 dash calvados or apple brandy (optional)
Instructions
- Pour the water into a large pan and place over a moderate heat.
- Stir in the sugar according to how sweet you like it. You won’t need any if using apple juice.
- Half the orange and stud one half with the cloves. Juice the other half and add both to the mix.
- Throw in the spices and bring to the boil. Simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Add the cider (or apple juice) and warm the mixture until it's not quite simmering. Keep at this temperature, stirring occasionally for 8-15 minutes. Any alcohol will be lost if it reaches boiling point.
- Remove from the heat, add the apple slices, stir in the calvados or apple brandy if using and pour into a serving vessel or ladle straight into glasses.
Dean Johnson says
Absolutely love this!! Thank you.
Choclette says
Glad you like it, it’s getting to the season now.
Nadia says
Yay to non-alcoholic Christmas beverages π As a non drinker, this sounds amazing! I’ve never had anything like this but it sounds so delicious and warming π and it’s so easy to make! Must give it a try π
Choclette says
Oh you must. Mulled apple juice is fab for non drinkers as not only is it delicious and warming, but they don’t need to feel left out.
Elinor aka Beachhutcook says
Looks so perfect. I do love the option to make non alcoholic too!
Choclette says
Yes, I usually do a bowl of each when I’ve got friends coming round; non-drinkers don’t have to feel left out.
Natreco says
I love mulled cider, too. I think that it is not only lighter, fruitier and more refreshing but it is also healthier!
Choclette says
Interesting, I hadn’t thought about that aspect of it. Doesn’t red wine have lots of antioxidents?
Mel | A vIrtual Vegan says
I have never had mulled cider or apple juice which is strange as I know I’d love it. I love you ride of drinking it with a mince pie as an accompaniment. I need to try this over Christmas!
Choclette says
Let me know if it becomes your must try this Christmas Mel π
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
I love apple cider! I’m definitely going to try your recipe.
Choclette says
Thanks Amy, it’s a winner at this time of year π
Kate says
I love mulled cider and this looks soooo good. I just want to dive right in (with a glass, all civilised-like, mind).
Choclette says
Phew, I’m glad to hear you’re happy to try this with a glass Kate. I have visions … π
Janie says
I am all for the mulled cider, in fact we call in Bonfire Juice π
Happy crimbo Choclette, here’s wishing you a relaxed and tasty Christmas & a rocking 2017!
Janie x
Choclette says
Aw, thanks Janie. Happy Crimbo to you too. Bonfire juice is a brilliant name. I just need a bonfire now.
Stella - The Smoothie Vegetarians says
I love apple cider! It is one of my favorite warm drinks. I am very excited to try this mulled cider!
Choclette says
Thanks, it’s just so good at this time of year and for any festive gathering.
Kavey says
I actually prefer mulled cider (and the non-alcoholic mulled apple juice) to mulled wine, mostly because mulled wine is too tannic for me, even with sugar added to balance that. This recipe looks perfect!
Choclette says
Thanks Kavey, that’s very nice of you to say. I guess fewer tannins is what I meant by “lighter”.
Corina says
I’m ashamed to say I don’t think I’ve ever had mulled cider but I’d happily drink some of this – looks delicious with the cinnamon stick in!
Choclette says
Thanks Corina. Maybe this year is the year to try it π