Mulled Dry Apple Cider Recipe

Mulled cider is a classic, delicious, and warming drink that we all know and love. Now, let us introduce you to the new, delicious, and thoroughly grown-up version of apple juice: mulled dry apple cider. Created by recipe developer Jennine Rye, this drink takes everything delicious about mulled cider, and makes it more mature with the addition of fermented cider. 

As cider is the base ingredient for this recipe, it's important to get the right kind. This recipe uses the alcoholic version of apple cider, which adds an extra dimension to this warming drink. Though, if you prefer a non-alcoholic option, the hard cider can easily be swapped out for standard cider instead, and the recipe will work just as well.

We highly recommend giving this dry mulled cider a go; with the addition of dry cider, the drink has far more depth and balance — perfect for those who find traditional mulled cider a little too sweet. The hard cider provides a crisp, dry tang, which is cut through with the sweetness of the orange, and the spices add depth and beautiful aromatics to the drink. It makes the perfect addition to any party or gathering, and can easily be scaled up as much as needed.

To make this mulled dry apple cider, first you will need to gather the ingredients. You will need dry apple cider, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, ground ginger, orange juice, sliced orange segments, and brown sugar.

Although alcoholic cider was almost wiped out due to Prohibition, it is now making a long overdue comeback, and the cider industry is exploding in the US (via University of Wisconsin). If you are new to cider, this recipe is a great introduction. For this recipe you will need dry apple cider, which is less sweet, and has a higher alcoholic content than other types of fermented cider. 

Over a medium heat, pour the dry cider into a medium-sized saucepan. Then, add the cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and ground ginger to the pan. Stir the ingredients, and then allow the cider and spices to simmer for a few minutes, until you begin to smell the beautiful aromatics.

Then, add the orange juice, the sliced orange segments, and brown sugar, and allow the ingredients to simmer together for a few more minutes, until the sugar has dissolved, and everything is warmed through. The mulled dry apple cider is now ready to serve.

Serve the cider while it is hot, and if you would like to present it nicely, add a cinnamon stick to each glass, along with a slice of orange, and a star anise. Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, and can be gently reheated over the stove.