Traditional Hot Mulled Apple Cider

(clockwise from top) Cinnamon Sticks, Nutmeg, whole Cloves, dried Ginger, Cardamom seeds

Yesterday, I made a fragrant, steaming pot of hot mulled apple cider (or, wassail, as it’s traditionally called). Lovely! And so Christmas-y. Earlier that day, I had found a can of frozen apple juice concentrate stuffed into the back of our freezer. What perfect timing! And further, I was impressed that I actually connected the discovery of the apple juice with the idea to make hot mulled cider. Yay!

Mulled cider is so easy to make; in fact, all you really need is apple juice, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves. Any other ingredients are sort of unnecessary, though feel free to experiment. I made my cider with all the ingredients listed below, but could just as easily have left out the ones marked “optional.” This is a wonderful, warming drink to serve at holiday get-togethers, and can easily be made in a crock pot and left to simmer all evening. And it sure makes the house smell good!

Hot Mulled Apple Cider

2 qts apple juice

1-2 cinnamon sticks

1 Tbsp whole cloves

1 Tbsp dried ginger (optional)

1 tsp cardamom seeds (optional)

pinch of nutmeg powder (optional)

Pour apple juice and all spices into a pot on the stove. Bring to a boil, and then let simmer at low heat (it doesn’t need to continue to boil), covered, for at least 15 minutes, or until you’re ready to serve. The cider can be kept covered at very low heat on the stove for as long as you want. Enjoy! It’s like drinking Christmas!