Mulled Cranberry Apple Cider Recipe

As the weather cools, I always find myself reaching for something warm that feels comforting without being heavy.

This mulled cranberry apple cider is one of those drinks I come back to every fall and winter, especially when evenings start getting longer and quieter.

It’s gently spiced, lightly sweet, and fills the kitchen with that unmistakable cozy aroma while it simmers. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet apples makes it feel festive without being overly rich.

Behind the Recipe

This cider came together on a weekend when I wanted something warm on the stove that didn’t require much attention. I had cranberry juice, a couple of apples, and a few whole spices on hand. Letting everything simmer slowly felt like the right way to ease into the colder season, and the result was a drink that tastes as comforting as it smells.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Mulled drinks have been part of cold-weather traditions for centuries, especially in Europe and North America.

Cranberry apple cider is a modern variation that adds brightness and color to classic spiced cider, making it popular for holidays and winter gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm and comforting for cold days
• Balanced sweetness with gentle tartness
• Simple ingredients, no complicated prep
• Makes the house smell incredible
• Easy to adjust sweetness and spice
• Perfect for gatherings or quiet nights
• Can be enjoyed plain or lightly spiked

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Simmer gently, boiling can dull the flavors
• Use whole spices for cleaner taste
• Taste before sweetening; cranberries vary in tartness
• Let it sit covered for a few minutes after simmering for deeper flavor

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

1. Large pot
2. Strainer
3. Ladle
4. Measuring cups
5. Heatproof mugs

Ingredients in This Recipe

1. Cranberry juice or fresh cranberries (3 cups): Tart base with vibrant color
2. Apples (2, sliced): Natural sweetness and body
3. Cinnamon sticks (2): Warm, familiar spice
4. Whole cloves (4): Adds depth and aroma
5. Orange peel (1 strip): Bright citrus note
6. Honey or maple syrup (to taste): Optional sweetness

How to Make the Cider

1. Add cranberries or cranberry juice, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel to a large pot.
2. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients.
3. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove from heat and strain to remove solids.
6. Sweeten to taste with honey or maple syrup.
7. Warm gently if needed and serve in mugs.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Use apple juice instead of cranberry juice for a milder version
• Add star anise for extra warmth
• Swap honey with brown sugar
• Use pear slices instead of apples

Ingredient Spotlight

Cranberries
They bring a natural tartness and deep ruby color that keeps the cider from tasting overly sweet.

Apples
As they simmer, apples soften and release gentle sweetness that balances the spices.

Mulled Cranberry Apple Cider

This mulled cider combines tart cranberries and sweet apple slices gently simmered with fragrant spices, creating a warm, ruby-red beverage. The cooked ingredients develop a rich aroma and a smooth, flavorful liquid with visually appealing vibrant color and inviting steam.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Holiday

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups cranberry juice or fresh cranberries Use fresh or bottled
• 2 apples apple slices peeled and sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks cinnamon sticks for simmering
• 4 whole cloves whole cloves spice flavor infusion
• 1 piece orange peel simulate with a strip of orange zest
• to taste honey or maple syrup optional for sweetness

Equipment

• Large pot
• Strainer
• Ladle
• Measuring Cups
• Heatproof mugs

Method

 

1. Add cranberries or cranberry juice, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel to a large pot.
2. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the cider simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cranberries to soften, releasing their bright red color into the liquid.
4. Occasionally stir gently, and watch for steam and fragrant aroma filling your kitchen as the spices infuse the cider.
5. Once simmered, remove the pot from heat and strain the cider through a fine sieve to catch the spices and fruit solids, leaving a clear, vibrant red liquid.
6. Pour the strained cider back into the pot and sweeten to taste with honey or maple syrup, stirring until dissolved.
7. Warm the cider gently for another few minutes if needed, then ladle into mugs, garnishing with a fresh cinnamon stick or orange zest if desired.

Notes

Adjust sweetness and spice levels to personal taste. For a kick of warmth, add a splash of bourbon or brandy while reheating.

What to Avoid

• Boiling too hard
• Overloading with spices
• Oversweetening before tasting
• Leaving cloves in too long after simmering

Nutrition Notes

• Calories: ~150 per serving
• Naturally caffeine-free
• Rich in antioxidants

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Store refrigerated up to 3 days
• Reheat gently on the stove
• Remove spices before storing

How to Serve This Drink

• Serve warm with cinnamon stick garnish
• Pair with cookies or simple pastries
• Offer as a non-alcoholic holiday option
• Garnish with a cinnamon stick or fresh orange slice for extra fragrance.

Variations to Try

• Add a splash of bourbon or brandy for adults
• Use blood orange peel for deeper citrus notes
• Add fresh ginger slices
• Mix with apple cider for a sweeter profile

FAQs

1. Can I make mulled cranberry apple cider ahead of time?
   Yes. You can prepare it up to 2–3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
2. Should I strain the cider before serving?
   Yes. Straining removes the fruit and spices, giving the cider a smooth, clear finish.
3. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry juice?
   Yes. Fresh cranberries work well, though they create a slightly tarter cider.
4. How do I make this cider sweeter?
   Add honey or maple syrup gradually after simmering and adjust to taste.
5. Can I make this recipe alcoholic?
   Yes. Add bourbon, brandy, or rum after reheating, just before serving.
6. What apples work best for mulled cider?
   Sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work best.
7. Can I simmer the cider longer for stronger flavor?
   Yes, but keep it under 30 minutes to avoid bitterness from the spices.
8. Is this cider suitable for kids?
   Yes. The base recipe is non-alcoholic and kid-friendly.
9. Can I freeze leftover cider?
   Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
10. Can I reuse the spices after straining?
    No. Whole spices lose flavor after simmering and may turn bitter if reused.

Mahek Manchanda

Hi, I am Mahek Manchanda. The curious heart behind Dramatically Stirring. I’ve always been most at ease in my own company. I’m not exactly a people-person (small talk still makes me cringe), but there are two things I’ve always loved with my whole heart: animals and food.