Waco Hot Mulled Cider
Warm up your winter evenings with Waco Hot Mulled Cider, the ultimate cozy beverage bursting with aromatic spices and rich, citrusy notes. This quick and easy recipe combines classic apple cider with slices of fresh orange, whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and a hint of nutmeg for a perfectly spiced drink. Sweetened with a touch of brown sugar and enhanced with vanilla extract, this mulled cider can also be elevated with a splash of bourbon or dark rum for an adult twist. Ready in just 25 minutes, this comforting drink is ideal for holiday gatherings, chilly nights, or simply savoring by a roaring fire. Serve it warm, garnished with festive touches like cinnamon sticks or orange slices, and let the fragrant aroma fill your space.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider
- 1 medium orange
- 3 sticks cinnamon sticks
- 8 pieces whole cloves
- 5 berries whole allspice
- 2 pods star anise
- 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 oz optional bourbon or dark rum (for adults)
Instructions
Pour the apple cider into a large saucepan or pot.
Wash the orange thoroughly, then slice it into 1/4-inch rounds. Add the orange slices to the pot with the cider.
Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole allspice, and star anise to the pot. For easier removal later, you can contain the spices in a tea infuser or cheesecloth tied with kitchen twine.
Stir in the ground nutmeg and brown sugar until well combined.
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the cider to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the cider simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
If using alcohol, pour 2/3 cup of the hot cider into serving mugs and then add 1/2 to 1 oz of bourbon or dark rum per serving, stirring gently.
Ladle the mulled cider into mugs, ensuring each serving gets a portion of the orange slices and a garnish such as a cinnamon stick or star anise if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
235 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.8 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 16 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.7 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 38.0 g | ||
| Protein | 0.8 g | 2% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 63 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 0.8 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 403 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
