It’s that time of year again! Fall is here, and although we don’t get a “real” fall in California, I still love a yummy cup of hot goodness that pairs perfectly with fireside chats, book reading, and Netflix binging. And this mulled apple cider fits the bill! Have I mentioned the side effects of making this? The smell of this drink simmering on the stove will wrap around you like a cozy sweater and make your house smell like fall. Furthermore, you WILL become addicted. Consider yourselves warned.

If you’ve never had mulled cider, then you, my friend, have not lived. Simply put, it would not be fall without it. It’s my go to drink for whenever the weather starts to turn even the slightest bit chilly, or I have guests coming over and want the house to smell divine.

Last year, I searched all the grocery stores in our town for apple cider and could not find any! So I just went with Apple juice, and it still tasted amazing. Everyone loved it and kept going back for more. So, don’t worry if you have to substitute – it’s pretty impossible to mess this drink up. For your convenience, you can make this drink either in a crock pot or in a big pot on the stove. I usually opt for a big pot, and then I let it simmer on a back burner for a while, but it’s totally up to you and what you have available.

I searched far and wide, adding bits of recipes here and there, and cultivated the perfect mulled apple cider recipe. Also, the great thing about it is if you prefer it less sweet – add less sugar. Want more of an orange taste? Add more oranges. Too sweet for you? Add some tart cranberries. The possibilities for your perfect cup are endless!

Mulled Apple Cider

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: About 2 hours

INGREDIENTS

• 1 gallon apple cider (or juice)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons whole cloves
• 4 sticks cinnamon
• A dash of nutmeg
• 1 whole orange, cut into slices
• 2 sprigs of rosemary
• A handful of fresh cranberries

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Pour the cider into your pot, and turn the heat on low.
2. Stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves.
3. Add in allspice, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and nutmeg. If you don’t like your spices floating around, you can always place them in a coffee filter or cheesecloth and tie the end with some butcher’s twine. I personally do not mind, so I just let them float around freely in the pot.
4. Gently place the sliced orange, rosemary sprigs, and cranberries into the pot.
5. Simmer for 1-2 hours

So, there you have it! Only eight ingredients and five steps. Easy peasy, right? Now, go enjoy a warm and cozy cup of mulled apple cider. You deserve it.

If you make this recipe or have any suggestions for a favorite chilly weather drink, please be sure to leave me a comment. I’d love to hear from you guys! And of course, if you do make this recipe and share it on Instagram, tag me @jessicalenhert so I can see your masterpiece!