Ah, the sweet scent of the holidays! Imagine walking into a cozy kitchen, the warmth of the fireplace glowing softly, and the intoxicating aroma of spices and citrus wafting through the air. That’s exactly how I feel every time I make my Updated Mulled Cider. Growing up, cider was a staple during the cooler months, and now, I’ve put my own twist on this classic favorite. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Why You’ll Love This Comforting Beverage
There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for this Updated Mulled Cider. Here are a few that come to mind:
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or a cozy family dinner, this cider is a crowd-pleaser. It’s just the right balance of sweet and spicy, making it suitable for all ages. Imagine a cold winter’s evening, your friends and family gathered around, each holding a warm mug of this delightful brew. It’s these moments of togetherness that make the holiday season special.
- Versatility at Its Best: Enjoy it warm for that comforting feel or serve it chilled for a refreshing twist. Either way, it’s delicious. You might want to try garnishing it with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange for an extra touch of elegance, whether you’re serving it hot or cold.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a beverage that’s bursting with flavor. Plus, you might already have most of these ingredients at home. This means less stress during the busy holiday season and more time to enjoy the festivities.
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep and cooking time, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more with your loved ones. This cider can be made ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your gathering or simply relax.
- Nutritious and Flavorful: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, this drink is as nourishing as it is delightful. It’s a great way to boost your immune system during those chilly months, so you can stay healthy and enjoy the holiday season to the fullest.
The Recipe
Let’s dive into making this delightful Updated Mulled Cider. Here’s everything you need to know to create this warm, inviting beverage.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Additional Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 22
Yield: 11 cups
Ingredients:
- 1 large orange
- 3 whole cloves
- 2 ¾ cups fresh orange juice
- 8 cups apple juice
- ¼ cup raisins
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions:
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Prepare the Orange: Start by peeling the skin from the orange, making sure to leave the bitter white pith behind. This is key to ensuring your cider has a smooth, vibrant citrus flavor without any bitterness. The zest is where the essential oils reside, imparting a fragrant aroma that elevates the cider to new heights.
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Infuse with Cloves: Stick the cloves into the orange peel. This not only adds a lovely clove aroma but also makes it easy to remove them later. Cloves are quite potent, so this method ensures you get the perfect amount of flavor without any overpowering bitterness.
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Juice the Orange: Squeeze the juice from the orange and add it to the 2 ¾ cups of orange juice. Freshly squeezed juice enhances the flavor profile and adds a natural sweetness. If you have a citrus juicer, use it to extract every last drop of juice, maximizing the citrus punch of your cider.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large nonreactive pan, combine the orange juice, apple juice, raisins, cinnamon stick, and the prepared orange peel with cloves. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat. Nonreactive pans, such as those made from stainless steel or enameled cast iron, are essential to prevent any metallic taste from leaching into the cider.
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Let It Rest: Once it reaches a boil, remove from heat, cover, and let it stand for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows all the delightful flavors to blend and deepen. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld, creating a harmonious blend that’s both complex and soothing.
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Serve: Your mulled cider is now ready to be enjoyed. You can serve it warm for that cozy, comforting feel or chill it for a refreshing version. When serving warm, consider ladling it into heatproof mugs and garnishing with an extra cinnamon stick or a slice of fresh orange for a festive touch.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 66
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 4mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 16g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 0g
- Vitamin C: 21mg
- Calcium: 16mg
- Iron: 1mg
- Potassium: 197mg
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make this Updated Mulled Cider, you won’t need a lot of fancy gadgets, just a few essentials:
- Large Nonreactive Pan: Crucial for preventing any metallic taste that can alter the flavor of your cider. Using materials like stainless steel or ceramic ensures that the vibrant citrus and spice notes remain pure and untainted.
- Citrus Juicer: For getting every last drop of juice from your orange. A good citrus juicer can make the task quick and efficient, enhancing both the flavor and nutritional value of your beverage.
- Peeler: To easily remove the orange skin without the pith. A sharp peeler will help you get the perfect zest without any bitterness from the pith, ensuring a smooth, aromatic finish.
- Stove or Slow Cooker: Either will work great for warming and infusing your cider. A slow cooker can be particularly useful if you’re preparing this for a party, as it keeps the cider warm and ready to serve throughout the event.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Understanding why each ingredient is part of the recipe can make all the difference in your cooking journey. Here’s a closer look:
- Orange: Provides a bright, citrusy note and is a great source of vitamin C. It pairs beautifully with spices to lift the cider’s flavor. Oranges are known for their immune-boosting properties, making them a great addition to a wintertime beverage.
- Cloves: These add a warming spice that complements the sweetness of the juices. Known for their antioxidant properties, cloves are both flavorful and beneficial. They have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Using fresh juice ensures a natural sweetness and vibrant flavor, enhancing the overall taste. Fresh juice is less processed than store-bought, retaining more of the fruit’s natural nutrients and enzymes.
- Apple Juice: The base of our cider, apple juice, carries the drink. Opt for a high-quality juice to ensure the best flavor. Apples are rich in dietary fiber and vitamin C, making them both a delicious and healthful choice.
- Raisins: These might seem unconventional, but they add a subtle sweetness and depth to the cider as they infuse. Raisins are also a good source of iron and antioxidants, which can support overall health.
- Cinnamon Stick: This spice is synonymous with warmth and comfort, providing a rich, aromatic flavor. Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to help regulate blood sugar levels.
What to Serve With This Comforting Beverage
Pairing your Updated Mulled Cider with the right foods can create a delightful experience. Here are some suggestions:
- Spiced Ginger Cookies: The peppery warmth of ginger cookies complements the sweet and spiced notes of the cider perfectly. The texture of a crisp ginger cookie against the smooth warmth of the cider is a match made in heaven.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits can create a sophisticated pairing. The salty, creamy profiles of cheeses like Brie or Gouda contrast wonderfully with the cider’s sweetness.
- Pumpkin Bread: The rich, earthy flavors of pumpkin bread enhance the cider’s autumnal feel. A slice of moist pumpkin bread with a hint of nutmeg and cloves mirrors the spices in the cider, creating a harmonious taste experience.
For more great pairing ideas, check out our Gingerbread Cookie Recipe and Homemade Cheese Platter Guide.
Storage & Leftover Tips
Storing your Updated Mulled Cider properly ensures you’ll have a delicious treat ready for days to come:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover cider in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen over time, making each reheated cup even more flavorful.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the cider gently on the stove over low heat. Avoid boiling to preserve the delicate balance of flavors. A slow reheat will ensure that the spices remain pronounced and the citrus notes stay fresh.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cider for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container as the liquid expands when frozen. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently for a taste of the holidays any time of year.
For more tips on storing beverages and other delightful recipes, visit our Beverage Storage Guide.
In conclusion, this Updated Mulled Cider is more than just a drink; it’s a celebration of warmth, family, and the simple joy of gathering around the table. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast or enjoying it on a quiet evening, it’s bound to bring a smile to your face. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do. Here’s to creating delicious memories together. Cheers!
Updated Mulled Cider
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel the skin from the orange, leaving the bitter white pith behind.
- Stick the cloves into the orange peel.
- Squeeze the juice from the orange and add it to the 2-3/4 cups of orange juice.
- Combine all the ingredients in a large nonreactive pan and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Remove from heat, cover, and let it stand for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve the mulled cider warm or cold.