A different twist on a timeless fall classic. Put a log on the fire, grab a good book, and let it all go.
Have you ever wondered what “mulled” actually means? As in Mulled Apple Cider?
I always assumed that it meant heated, and as I confirmed via the fantabulous web, that’s precisely what it means. Or almost. Heated with spices is more exact. Thus, Hot Mulled Cider is really a bit redundant. If it’s mulled, it’s hot.
But here’s the thing. There are a thousand recipes on the web for Mulled Apple Cider, and they are basically much the same: apple cider, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and maybe orange slices or orange peel.
It’s a winning combination, for sure. Nonetheless, I am always looking for interesting ways to enhance a standard, so am pushing the mulled apple cider envelope a bit here. And the result, I assure you, is divine!
Mulled Apple Cider with Warm Winter Spices, Cayenne & Hibiscus
A different twist on a timeless fall classic. Put a log on the fire, grab a good book, and prepare to get cozy.
SERVING NOTE If you are serving this to a group of adults, all of whom can imbibe alcohol, you may want to add all of the optional liquor to the brew. However, I think it’s more practical to leave it out and then add it for those who want it. Typically, I make a gallon at a time and store it in the refrigerator. In the middle of the day, I drink it as is. In the evening, after my work is complete, I may top it off with an excellent Calvados. Ahhhh… is there any season more magical than fall?
INGREDIENT NOTE You can get dried hibiscus in health-oriented markets, usually in the help-yourself spice and herb jars section. It’s not absolutely essential here but does add a lovely red color and astringency that help balance the sweetness of the cider. Skip it if you don’t have it on hand.
1 whole nutmeg
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1 teaspoon whole allspice
1 whole star anise
I teaspoon cardamom pods, pods removed
2 Mexican (canela) cinnamon sticks, broken apart
1 tablespoon dried hibiscus flowers
½ teaspoon cayenne chile flakes, or 1 teaspoon if you want it spicier
2 quarts fresh apple cider (local if possible; not from concentrate, no additives, unpasteurized if possible)
¼ cup dark brown sugar
zest of two oranges
garnish: 1 orange peel twist and 1 canela cinnamon stick per serving
optional: 1 ounce Calvados, Armagnac, Cognac, or Applejack per 8-ounce serving
- Put the nutmeg in a Ziploc bag, seal, set the bag on a cutting board, and then smash the nutmeg into small pieces by pounding fairly hard with a mallet. Reserve.
- Put the cloves, allspice, star anise, and cardamom seeds in a mortar and grind coarsely with a pestle. (Or grind coarsely in an electric spice grinder.)
- In to medium saucepan, add apple cider, sugar and orange zest, along with all the spices and cayenne, and bring to a bare simmer.
- Barely simmer, partially covered, for 20 minutes.
- Strain and add back to a clean saucepan. Keep warm over low heat while serving.
- Ladle about 8-ounces of mulled cider into a 10-ounce clear glass mug. If you are serving with the optional liquor, add it now, and stir.
- Garnish with orange rind and a cinnamon stick. Serve hot.
MORE For selection, season, storage, hardening, cooking information, as well as a honed list of excellent resources, check it out my Apple Cider Primer.
Copyright 2008 Susan S. Bradley. All rights reserved.
I adore drinks like this in the fall. The cayenne and hibiscus sound so interesting together. I need to try this late this fall!
Susan, this sounds amazing! The cayenne and hibiscus is such a winning combination. I’m planning to pick up some fresh apple cider this weekend and this is definitely going to be made immediately. Oh and I’ll definitely be adding a generous dose of cognac to it as well!
Lauren recently posted…Dairy Free Alaska King Crab Bisque
I think that your twist sounds awesome. I’d have to think that the hibiscus and cayenne would have great health benefits in this also. It’s just starting to get cool here and my mind has been turning to mulled (hot) drinks. I’m sure that I’ll be thinking of this recipe when I’m freezing in the stands at the football game later tonight wishing I had a mug of this!
Amy recently posted…Mini Apple Tarts
This looks so comforting and just in time for fall, perfect! Love all the different spices you used, but never tried hibiscus flowers before.
Florian recently posted…Vegan Banh Mi
This mulled cider is delectable-sounding. I’ve never used hibiscus flowers and what you say about them makes me curious to try them. I agree with your suggestion about waiting on the alcohol, but when you describe sitting down after a work day with this cider spiked with Calvados, I’m salivating. Can I come sit down and sip with you?
Laura recently posted…Apple and Caramelized Onion Chutney
Laura, what a pleasure it would be to sip mulled cider with you and talk food. 🙂
I love cider and does yours ever sound delicious! I have never made a batch before but you are inspiring me and I will have to give it a go (my sister and I were just joking about what we would do with 20 lbs of apples if we went apple picking!)
Kacey recently posted…Nightmare Before Christmas Cake (Jack Skellington Cake)
I cannot wait until it is cool enough to put a log in the fire. I also love the cayenne you put in your cider. what a fun way to enjoy a classic.
Christie recently posted…15 Best Healthy Halloween Recipes
I’m counting the seconds until the weather dips below the triple digits here in Phoenix and I can make this!
Gwen recently posted…Over Night Banana Bread Oatmeal
I love the spicy kick from the cayenne! I can imagine how aromatic this mulled cider must be while it simmers!
Mulled cider (and wine) is one of my favorites in the fall, and I love your little twist on a delicious classic.
heather recently posted…the best sandwich loaf + an old-school BLT
I am a HUGE herb nerd and kitchen witch and I love the use of hibiscus in this drink! Definitely planning to make it this fall!
I love autumn and the warm drinks! This sounds yummy, I like the extra bit of spice from the cayenne!
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Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
I’m trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Elwood! 🙂 We are checking on it on this end this morning.
Well now I too know what mulled means. I think I would like it hot. It would be good for your body as well. With Cayenne and other spices.