Homemade Mulled Cider Spices
Mulled cider is a classic winter drink perfect for serving at parties, after a long day playing in the snow or anytime you need a winter pick-me-up. Classic mulled cider is non-alcoholic but benefits from the addition of rum or whiskey. Use the best-quality apple cider you can find and, whenever possible, whole spices. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Classic Mulled Cider
A basic mulled cider contains cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves and allspice. Cinnamon has a mildly spicy, warm flavor that is a classic pairing with apple. Nutmeg is a zesty, bitter spice that adds warm flavor and depth when used sparingly. Cloves have a bittersweet flavor similar to that of black licorice; in small amounts, they highlight the sweet flavors of cinnamon and apple. Allspice is a dried berry with a similar flavor to cloves and the same warm notes as cinnamon or nutmeg.
Mulled Cider with Fruit
Mulled cider with winter spices is classic, but adding fruit gives this cider a zesty bite. Whole fresh cranberries give sweet apple cider some extra tartness. These can be simmered with the cider and mulling spices for 15 minutes. Halved oranges and lemons add sweet and sour notes; either can be used in lieu of the cranberries. A 1-inch knob of fresh ginger root makes a spicy apple cider. Varieties of mulled cider with orange or ginger pair especially well with a shot of rum.
Variations
Cardamom pods or star anise can be added to mulled cider for extra flavor. Star anise tastes like licorice or fennel; one to two pods can add depth to a pot of mulled cider. Cardamom offers notes of ginger and mint; this sweet flavor makes an unexpectedly good pairing with apples.
Mulled Cider Kits
Small tins or bags of mulled cider spices make a nice gift. If you can find dried orange peel, purchase some to add to your mulling mix. Combine whole allspice and cloves so that you have equal portions of each. For each tablespoon of the clove-allspice mix, add three to four crushed cinnamon sticks, two crushed star anise pods and 1/4 of a nutmeg pod, grated. Add 1 to 2 tbsp. of dried orange peel. This mixture will flavor a gallon batch of cider. Package your mulling spices in tea tins, sachet bags or another decorative gift bag.
Tags: apple cider, cider with, cinnamon sticks, dried orange, dried orange peel, Homemade Mulled, Homemade Mulled Cider