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Drinks
Spiked Mulled Apple Cider
The ultimate cozy fall drink — unfiltered apple cider simmered with whole cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, allspice, and orange, then spiked with dark rum or bourbon. Makes 8-10 servings, perfect for gatherings. Your house will smell incredible while it simmers.
Prep15 minutes
Cook1 hour
Serves8-10 servings
Ingredients
- 8 cups unfiltered apple cider
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp whole allspice berries
- 5 cinnamon sticks (4-inch)
- 3 star anise pods
- 2 tsp whole cloves
- 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and smashed
- 1 large orange, quartered
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups dark rum or bourbon
- 1 Granny Smith apple, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Toast the spices: In a large pot over medium heat, toast allspice, cinnamon, star anise, and cloves for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- 2. Add cider, brown sugar, ginger, and orange quarters. Bring to a bare simmer over low heat.
- 3. Cover and simmer (do not boil) for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- 4. Strain through a wire mesh strainer into another pot, discarding solids.
- 5. Stir in rum or bourbon. Ladle into mugs.
- 6. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Serve warm.
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