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    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    Published: Dec 11, 2020 · Modified: Jun 14, 2023 by Elena Contis · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Spiked Mulled Cider with Bourbon

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    Warm up with a cozy spiked mulled cider with bourbon on those cold winter nights! This recipe is just as tasty with or without alcohol.

    Overhead photo of apple cider with sliced orange and cubed apples in a pot.

    I am all about the cozy vibes that the fall and winter seasons bring. One of my absolute favorite drinks that my family and I enjoy making during this season is spiked mulled apple cider. Trust me, make this for your next family gathering and everyone will be raving about it!

    The best part? This recipe is super easy to make! Simply throw all the ingredients in a slow cooker or a pot and you'll be getting cozy on the couch with a cocktail in hand in no time. Plus, the longer you let it simmer on the stove, the better it tastes and the better your house smells. It is like having a spiced apple cider candle burning all day long! Who doesn't want that?

    What is Mulled Cider?

    Overhead shot of mulled apple cider in a pot with two glasses filled with spiked apple cider.

    According to Merriam-Webster to "mull" means "to heat, sweeten, and flavor (a beverage, such as wine or cider) with spices."

    Typically, the two drink options people mull are wine or cider.

    Shoutout to my girl Sarah from Broma Bakery who has an amazing mulled wine recipe!

    For mulled cider, you can use a variety of different spices. Common spices to pair with hot apple cider are cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg. I also like to add sliced apples and oranges for extra flavor and because it looks pretty!

    What is the Best Way to Heat Mulled Cider?

    Two glasses garnished with an orange slice of spiked apple cider.

    My preferred option for heating up mulled apple cider is a slow cooker. This is great if you are hosting a party or having friends over because your cider will stay nice and toasty all night long. The cider might not last all night because it is so darn delicious, but that's besides the point!

    No slow cooker? You can also let the apple cider simmer on your stovetop. The key with either option - slow cooker or stovetop - is to let your cider simmer for a few hours so all the flavors really come together.

    Can Mulled Cider be Made Without Alcohol?

    Action photo pouring a shot of bourbon into a glass of mulled apple cider.

    Alcoholic mulled cider is my pick, but of course you can make it alcohol-free! Adding the alcohol is the last step of the process. You don't want to add the bourbon to the slow cooker or stovetop while the cider is mulling because all the alcohol will burn off, and who wants that?

    When ready to serve, pour a shot (or two) into a mug and ladle the the cider overtop and you have yourself some delicious alcoholic mulled cider. If you don't want any alcohol, just skip the shot.

    Straight on photo of two glasses of apple cider with pinecones and a shot glass in the background.

    If you try my mulled apple cider recipe this season, let me know! I would love to hear your thoughts through a review or comment below. Also, don't forget to tag me in your recipes on Instagram.

    Try more recipes below:

    • Watermelon Cucumber Lemonade
    • Blood Orange Mojito
    • Apple Pancakes
    Print

    📖 Recipe

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    Spiked Mulled Apple Cider with Bourbon


    5 from 1 review

    • Author: Elena Contis
    • Total Time: 2-3 Hours
    • Yield: 1 gallon 1x
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Warm up with a cozy spiked mulled apple cider with bourbon on those cold winter nights! This recipe is just as tasty with or without alcohol.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 4 quarts fresh apple cider
    • 2 tablespoons cinnamon
    • 1 tablespoon allspice
    • 1 tablespoon ground cloves
    • ¾ teaspoon nutmeg
    • A dash of cardamom
    • Orange peel from two oranges
    • 1 orange cut into ¼" slices
    • 2 Gala apples cored and cubed
    • Maple syrup to taste depending on how sweet you want your cider
    • 1 ½ cups bourbon

    Instructions

    1. In the slow cooker, combine all ingredients except the alcohol.
    2. Set the slow cooker to LOW, cover and let the ingredients blend together for 2-3 hours or even longer if you'd like. The longer the better!
    3. When ready to served, add a shot (or two) of alcohol to the glass and pour the apple cider overtop. If doing these alcohol-free, skip the shot and pour the apple cider in a glass.
    4. Garnish with orange slices and apples and enjoy!

    Notes

    Cloves are a very strong flavor. Add a little bit at a time until you have your desired taste.

    If preparing on the stove top, warm all ingredients except the alcohol on a low heat, uncovered for 2-3 hours.

    Adding the alcohol should be done when serving because the slow cooker or stove top will burn off all the alcohol and who wants that?

    • Prep Time: 5 Minutes
    • Cook Time: 2-3 Hours
    • Category: Drinks
    • Method: Stovetop
    • Cuisine: Holiday

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 16 ounces
    • Calories: 165
    • Sugar: 9g
    • Sodium: 6mg
    • Fat: 0.5g
    • Saturated Fat: 0.1g
    • Carbohydrates: 15.4g
    • Fiber: 3.5g
    • Protein: 0.4g
    • Cholesterol: 0mg

    Did you make this recipe?

    Make sure to share a photo of your yummy creation and tag Best Served Vegan — I can't wait to see what you've made!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Steph says

      December 31, 2020 at 10:39 pm

      Tried this on New Years Eve!! So warm and yummy and kept my tummy nice n warm.


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    Hi, I'm Elena! If you’ve ever been curious about whipping up a delicious vegan dish but had no idea where to start, I’ve got your back!

    More about me →

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    Hi, I'm Elena! If you’ve ever been curious about whipping up a delicious vegan dish but had no idea where to start, I’ve got your back!

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