Description
At its core, mulled cranberry cider is a warm, spice infused liquid beverage crafted by simmering fruit juices with whole botanicals, fresh fruit slices, and natural sweeteners. The word mulled refers to heating a drink alongside aromatic spices such as cloves, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and star anise. While traditional mulling often centers on red wine or plain apple juice, adding tart cranberry juice transforms the classic profile into a gorgeous ruby red creation with a refreshing zing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups apple cider
- 4 cups cranberry juice
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 whole star anise
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp brown sugar, or to taste
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Orange slices and cinnamon sticks, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine: Add apple cider, cranberry juice, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, nutmeg, brown sugar, and cranberries to a large saucepan.
- Heat: Bring the mixture just to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Do not boil.
- Mull: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes to allow the spices and fruit to infuse.
- Finish: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Strain: Strain out the whole spices and orange slices, if desired.
- Serve: Pour into mugs while hot. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, fresh cranberries, and an orange slice.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~135 kcal
Keywords: spiced cranberry apple cider, hot mulled cranberry drink, warm spiced cranberry cider