The days are becoming filled with golden toned trees, crunchy leaves, and notes of cinnamon and spice. It’s a formal invitation: nature beckons us to a cozy evening curled up with a warm mug of mulled apple cider.
Our mulled apple cider recipe is easy, and wholesome. Made from freshly juiced red delicious apples, it’s naturally sweetened and free from refined sugars. I was determined to enjoy warm apple cider without a lingering headache from artificial ingredients and sweetening syrups. Don’t underestimate the naturally sweetened profile. This warm cider is just as sweet and tasty as the cup you get from your local pumpkin patch.
If you’re looking for a sweet and healthy treat, you can enjoy a mug of warm apple cider alongside our pumpkin spice power cookies. This is the perfect pairing to embrace the harvest season and the flavor of fall. Check out our power cookies post for the recipe!
Intentions
Slowly sip on a cozy mug of mulled apple cider. Take note of the warmth that it brings to your body. Recognize the comforting and invigorating taste of the spices. Use this as an opportunity to slow down and finely tune your awareness. Create space to enjoy the moment and deeply appreciate the energy that surrounds you. Count your blessings with a grateful heart, expressing thanks for all that is and what is yet to come.
Medicinal Properties
Drinking mulled apple cider is an ancient tradition dating back to medieval days. The Norse and Romans used mulled apple cider as a cold weather remedy during the harsh winter months. Over time, this tradition has evolved into the variety of ciders we enjoy during the harvest and throughout the holidays.
Apples are held in high regards, and for good reasons. For centuries, these fruits have stood as a symbol of nutrition and wellness. You know what they say, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. This saying holds true, even when drinking the fresh juice from apples. Mulled apple cider offers not only warmth and comfort but also the added benefits from medicinal properties of the mulling spices.
Apples and cinnamon are both high in polyphenols, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. These antiseptic properties are desirable as the weather gets colder and the risk of infection is on the rise. Cinnamon is also known to boost the metabolism and can help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Additionally, there are strong antimicrobial attributes associated with cinnamon and cloves are used to relieve congestion, helping to open and clear the sinus pathways. These spices can provide relief from seasonal allergies as the falling leaves decompose and mold counts increase.
Preparation & Storage Tips
Store fresh apple juice or mulled cider in glass jars or bottles. I do not recommend storing in plastic containers. Fresh apple juice should be kept in the refrigerator and will stay fresh for three days. Once completely cooled, mulled apple cider should also be stored in the refrigerator. Enjoy cold or reheat the mulled cider in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Mulled apple cider is best when prepared from fresh apple juice. However, you can make the apple juice ahead of time and freeze it to conveniently simmer and spice in the future. When frozen, fresh apple juice should be used within 3 – 6 months. Simply thaw the juice in the refrigerator, heat with mulling spices and enjoy!
Mulled Apple Cider
Ingredients
- 8 red delicious apples 1 bag
- 1 orange
- 1 inch piece of ginger
- 3 cinnamon sticks additional for serving, optional
- 3 whole cloves
- 4 allspice berries
Instructions
Apple Juice
- Peel the orange and separate into wedges.
- Peel the knob of ginger
- Wash and quarter the apples.
- Juice the oranges, ginger, and apples.
- Collect the juice from the fresh fruit and proceed with mulling instructions. Alternatively, store juice in the refrigerator in glass jars or bottles. Use for mulling cider or enjoy within 72 hours.
Mulled Apple Cider
- Transfer the fresh apple juice to a pot and place on the stove.
- Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice directly to the pot of apple juice. Use a loose-leaf tea infuser or tea bag for easy removal of the spices.
- Heat the pot and bring contents to a simmer, do not boil.
- Simmer for 15 minutes to extract the spices and heat the cider.
- Remove from heat (or keep warm on low heat), fill a mug, and enjoy!
- Once cool, store juice in the refrigerator in glass jars or bottles. Reheat and enjoy within 72 hours.