Embrace the essence of fall with every warm sip of our hot apple cider (also know as mulled apple cider). This quintessential drink, brimming with the flavors of fresh apples and aromatic spices, promises to be your cozy companion during crisp autumn evenings. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed by all!
Hot apple cider (also known as mulled apple cider) is an absolutely delicious beverage to serve during the fall. While it can also be enjoyed any time of year, there’s something about the crisp autumn air that makes me absolutely crave cider.
In fact, in my humble opinion, one of the yummiest tastes and aromas of the season is a batch of mulled apple cider warming in a slow cooker or saucepan. Made with fragrant and flavorful seasonal spices, it’s sure to warm you up from the inside out.
After you discover the joy of putting together your own homemade mulling spices, you will really enjoy making mulled apple cider. It’s easier than you think, and the result is a warm cup of the flavors of fall!
Apple and cinnamon are the quintessential flavors of fall. (Be sure to check out all of my favorite apple recipes for fall.) This drink is the ideal thing to serve at parties or when you want to curl up in a blanket and read a good book (or watch a Hallmark special—I won’t judge).
I also love to brew this mulled apple cider when I have guests over because it fills my kitchen with the most amazing aromas.
Apple cider is a versatile beverage you can integrate into your menu in a variety of ways. While delicious cold, you can turn apple cider into a warming and comforting drink by heating it on the stove and adding a sprinkle of your favorite type of cinnamon.
Is hot apple cider alcoholic?
Yes and no – you can serve hot apple cider with or without alcohol. I recommend warming your fresh apple cider without adding any alcohol to it. (Warming hard cider or cider mixed with alcohol is likely to burn off some of the alcohol, which sort of defeats the purpose of it.)
Make it a Cocktail
When it comes time to serve the mulled cider, have bottles of a few complementary alcohols nearby such as bourbon or brandy. Then you or your guests can add whatever they’d like to turn that hot apple cider into an easy fall cocktail. This adds an exciting twist for adult gatherings. Here are some quick and delectable cocktail ideas:
- Apple Cider Bourbon Delight: Combine 1 cup of hot apple cider with 1.5 oz. of bourbon. Add a hint of warmth and sweetness by adding a tablespoon of maple syrup, and garnish with a lemon slice.
- Cider & Dark Rum Warm-up: For a classic pairing, mix 1 cup of hot apple cider with 1.5 oz. of dark rum. An orange slice and a sprinkle of nutmeg elevate the drink.
- Cinnamon Apple Cocktail: Spice things up with 1 cup hot apple cider, 1 oz. cinnamon schnapps or cinnamon liqueur, and 1 oz. vodka. The spiciness of cinnamon contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cider.
- Apple Cider & Brandy Elixir: Deepen the apple flavor by blending 1 cup of hot apple cider with 1.5 oz. of apple brandy or Calvados. A star anise on top adds an aromatic touch.
- Spiced Apple Cider Gin: Craft a botanical blend with 1 cup hot apple cider, 1.5 oz. gin, and a squeeze of lemon juice. A rosemary sprig garnish offers a fragrant finish.
- Caramel Apple Toddy: Indulge your sweet tooth by mixing 1 cup hot apple cider with 1 oz. caramel vodka. A dollop of whipped cream with a caramel sauce drizzle makes it dessert in a mug.
Always adjust the alcohol content to your preference and remember to drink responsibly! These cocktail ideas can easily be the star of your next autumn or winter gathering
Here are some questions people often ask when it comes to making the best hot apple cider. If you don’t see your question in this list, please leave it in the comments.
How to make WARM SPIKED APPLE CIDER – The Perfect Autumn Adult Drink & Classic Cool Weather Cocktail
FAQ
Is it OK to heat apple cider?
How do you warm up store bought apple cider?
What does boiling apple cider do?
Does apple cider go bad in heat?