Cheerrs

Mulled Cider

Mulled Cider is a hug in a mug. When the air turns crisp and the leaves fall, the scent of simmering apples and cinnamon signals that it is time to slow down and seek warmth. It is a drink that bridges the gap between the harvest of autumn and the festivities of winter, offering deep, spiced comfort to anyone coming in from the cold.

At a Glance

  • β€’Tastes like liquid apple pie
  • β€’Warms you from the inside out
  • β€’The smell of the holidays

When People Drink This

✨

After a winter walk

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Halloween night

✨

Tree trimming parties

✨

Thanksgiving gathering

Often part of rituals
Cupping the warm mug with both handsInhaling the steam before sippingStirring with a cinnamon stick

Who Keeps This Drink Alive

People behind this drink

Orchard Keepers

Growers

Providing the fresh pressed cider that forms the base.

Grandmothers

Tradition Keepers

Passing down the specific blend of spices.

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How This Drink Feels

The sensory experience

sweet and spiced and tangy, with notes of cinnamon and cooked apple and clove ending with a warming and smooth finish

β€œ

Tastes like liquid apple pie

β€œ

Warms you from the inside out

β€œ

The smell of the holidays

Why This Drink MattersβŒ„
In a world of complex cocktails, Mulled Cider champions the power of patience and simplicity. It matters because it engages the senses long before you take a sip. The aroma fills the home, creating an atmosphere of hospitality and shelter. It is a universal warmerβ€”accessible to all ages, easily adaptable, and deeply rooted in the human tradition of heating spiced fruit juices to ward off the chill.

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🌍

Origin Story

Rooted in Orchards

πŸ“ United KingdomπŸ“ GlobalOrchards
Origin & HistoryβŒ„

Rooted in the ancient 'Wassail' traditions of medieval England, where spiced cider was drunk to ensure a good apple harvest. It has evolved into a staple winter warmer enjoyed globally.

Timeline
  • Medieval Times: Wassailing ceremonies to sing to apple trees with spiced cider
  • Colonial America: Cider becomes a primary beverage; mulling irons used to heat it
  • Modern Day: A seasonal staple at pumpkin patches, holiday markets, and homes
Cultural context
Halloween and ThanksgivingChristmas MarketsBonfire Night
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Perfect for the Holiday Season

Holiday Pick

A natural companion to the holiday season β€” often shared during cozy winter evenings, festive gatherings, and moments that feel slower and more meaningful.

  • ❄️ Winter favorite
  • 🎁 Christmas classic
  • πŸ§‘β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§ Everyone-friendly
  • πŸ”₯ Best served warm
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Places & Everyday Rituals

Where this drink feels most at home

πŸ“FireplacesπŸ“Kitchen stovesπŸ“Christmas marketsπŸ“Apple orchards
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Moments Like This

If you find comfort in Mulled Cider, you might also enjoy: - Hot Chocolate for a creamy treat - Mulled Wine for an adult version - Chai Latte for a spiced tea alternative All are designed to warm the soul.

Around this drink

Brands you’ll often find

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Did You Know?

Boiling the cider can cause the pectin to separate and create a cloudy sediment, so a gentle simmer is best.

You can use the leftover spiced fruit as a compote for oatmeal.

🎈Fun Facts
  • πŸ€“Wassail comes from the Old English 'waes hael', meaning 'be you healthy'.
  • πŸ€“In the 14th century, cider was often safer to drink than water.
  • πŸ€“Real cider is perishable and must be refrigerated, unlike shelf-stable apple juice.
Cultural BeliefsβŒ„
Wassailing (singing to trees) ensures a good harvest next year
How This Drink Is MadeβŒ„
⏱5 minutes
πŸ“Šeasy

Ingredients

The Base

  • Fresh Apple Cider (Unfiltered/Cloudy)
  • Orange Slices

Optional / Garnish

  • Cinnamon Sticks
  • Whole Cloves
  • Star Anise
  • Allspice Berries
  • Maple Syrup
  • Bourbon or Rum (for spiking)

Instructions

"Mulling is an infusion process. Low and slow heat allows the spices to marry with the apple juice without boiling off the delicate fresh flavors. "
Pour the apple cider into a large pot or slow cooker. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange slices. Heat gently until hot but not boiling. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for at least 20-30 minutes. Ladle into mugs, ensuring a spice or fruit slice makes it into the cup for garnish.
πŸ”€

Twists & Variations

Different ways to enjoy this drink

1
Spiked Cider (with Bourbon or Rum)
2
Caramel Cider (with caramel sauce)
3
Cranberry Apple Cider (tart twist)

Related Drinks

Similar drinks you may enjoy, based on culture, season, or mood

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