Mulled Cider or Apple Juice as a Non-Alcoholic Alternative

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
• 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, I’d 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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5 from 2 votes

Mulled Cider or Mulled Apple Juice

Ditch the mulled wine this Christmas and make mulled cider or a alcoholic mulled apple juice instead. It's lighter, fruitier and more refreshing.

Cook ModeToggle to keep screen awake

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Total Time15 minutes mins

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: British

Keyword: apple juice, apples, Christmas, cider, spices

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 40kcal

Author: Choclette @ Tin and Thyme

Ingredients

• 250 ml water
• 1-2 tbsp golden granulated sugar for mulled cider only
• 1 organic orange
• 6 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cardamom pods
• good 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.
  250 ml water
• Stir in the sugar according to how sweet you like it. You won’t need any if using apple juice.
  1-2 tbsp golden granulated sugar
• Half the orange and stud one half with the cloves. Juice the other half and add both to the mix.
  1 organic orange, 6 whole cloves
• Throw in the spices and bring to the boil. Simmer for a couple of minutes.
  1 cinnamon stick, 4 cardamom pods, good grating of nutmeg
• 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.
  1 litre apple cider
• 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.
  1 dessert apple, 1 dash calvados

Notes

Double or triple the quantities as needed.

If you’re stuck for time or don’t have the requisite spices, use a ready made mulled cider or wine sachet instead.

Serve warm in glasses or mugs with a slice of apple and a cinnamon stick for a final flourish.

Please note: calories and other nutritional information are per serving. They’re approximate and will depend on exact ingredients used.

Nutrition Estimate

Calories: 40kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 87mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 66IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below letting us know how you got on and do share a photo on Instagram. Tag @choclette8 or use hashtag #tinandthyme.

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