Our Christmas Mulled Cider

We make this every Christmas.

It’s the drink that shows up at our annual Christmas Sock Party and pretty much every family holiday gathering for the last 15 years. As soon as it starts heating, the house smells like Christmas — It’s warm, familiar, and one of those things people look forward to without even realizing it.

It’s also incredibly easy to make, and you can adjust it to a flavor profile that suits you. This version is mine.

I make it in a few different ways depending on how many people we’re having over — a large countertop roaster for big gatherings, a crock pot for smaller ones, or sometimes just a big pot on the stove. No matter how you make it, the idea is the same: heat it gently and let the spices do the work.

A Few Notes Before You Start

• I always use unfiltered apple cider, not the clear kind. The clear cider you often see at the store is much sweeter and thinner. The cloudy cider has more body and tastes more like real apples.

  
  

• Don’t be surprised if you can’t find some of these spices in the regular spice aisle. I usually have better luck in the Latin foods section, where the spices come in small bags. They always seem fresher and more fragrant.

• I use a mortar and pestle to lightly break up the spices — not grind them. If you don’t have one, you can put the spices in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with the bottom of a mug, or use the flat side of a knife on a cutting board. You just want to crack them enough to release their oils.

  
  

• Don’t add anything unnecessary. This doesn’t need it.

  
  

Ingredients

• 1 gallon cloudy apple cider

• 4 cinnamon sticks

• 8–10 whole cloves

• 6–8 whole allspice berries

• 6–8 whole black peppercorns

• 4 star anise (remove after about 30 minutes)

• 3 oranges, sliced (peel on, seeds removed)

It already feels like Christmas just listing that out.

How I Make It

Step 1: Prep the spices

Lightly crack the cloves, allspice berries, and black peppercorns using a mortar and pestle (or one of the alternatives above). You’re not grinding — just opening them up so they release their flavor.

Step 2: Combine

Add everything to your pot or roaster:

• apple cider

• cracked spices

• cinnamon sticks

• star anise

• orange slices

That’s it.

Heating & Timing (This Is Flexible)

For Large Gatherings — Countertop Roaster

When I’m making this for a crowd, I use a large countertop roaster. It holds a lot, keeps everything hot, and I don’t have to think about it once it’s going.

• Heat until steaming

• Then keep it on low or warm

• Stir occasionally

• It can stay warm like this for several hours

For Smaller Batches — Crock Pot

For smaller gatherings, I use a crock pot.

• Set to LOW

• It will be hot and ready in about 30–45 minutes

• After that, you can leave it on low or warm for the rest of the gathering

On the Stove

If I’m making it casually or need it faster, I’ll use a large pot on the stove.

• Heat over low heat

• Bring it just to steaming

• Keep it at the gentlest simmer

• Do not boil

How Long to Let It Simmer

I usually let it simmer gently for 30–60 minutes before serving.

After about 30 minutes, I remove the star anise so it doesn’t overpower everything. Once the flavor is where I like it, I’ll sometimes remove the oranges and other spices, or I’ll leave the cinnamon sticks in and strain the rest.

After that, it can stay warm for hours — just stir occasionally and taste once in a while.

Optional: Mulled Wine

You can also use this same spice blend to make mulled wine.

If I’m doing that, I swap the apple cider for a simple dry red wine — nothing fancy. I warm it gently, keep the heat low, and don’t let it boil. The spices work just as beautifully, and it ends up cozy and comforting in the same way.

It’s completely optional, but it’s nice to know this recipe can do double duty during the holidays.

Final Thoughts

This is one of those recipes that doesn’t need fussing. It’s cozy, familiar, and fills the house with the smell of the holidays. We’ve been making it long enough that it feels like part of the season — and honestly, it wouldn’t be Christmas without it.

Make it your own, adjust the spices to your taste, and enjoy it with people you love.