Making the perfect mulled apple cider is easier than you think

As the winter wind blows and the chill fills the air, warm, comforting drinks can help make those blustery days seem less dreary. Even though grandma might swear by the Hot Toddy when feeling under the weather and kids love that hot chocolate, another warm beverage can fill the house with a welcoming aroma and offer a satisfying sip. The perfect mulled apple cider is easy to make.

Apple cider is a fall and winter favorite. From the beverage to pair with those apple cider doughnuts to a non-alcoholic beverage that is full of flavor, it is an easy choice at many gatherings. But, a mulled apple cider is different. Whether it is the warmth offered while being held or the aroma that elevates the spirit, it might be the quintessential winter weather beverage.

Recently, Amazon Fresh shared their recipe for the perfect mulled apple cider. Here’s the recipe.

Mulled Apple Cider recipe

Shopping List:

• 4 cups of Aplenty Mulled Honey Crisp Apple Cider (brand new for fall!) – Retail $3.69
• 2 sticks of Happy Belly Whole Cinnamon Sticks – Retail $6.79
• 10 whole pods of Happy Belly Ground Cardamom – Retail $5.29
• 1 dash of Happy Belly Ground All Spice – Retail $2.59
• To taste, Happy Belly Whole Cloves – Retail $3.99
• 1 Piece of Fresh Ginger – Retail $1.49
• 1 Sliced Lemon – Retail $0.49

Recipe:

• It’s as easy as 4 simple steps!
• Add apple cider and cinnamon sticks to a medium-sized pot
• Add clove-studded sliced lemon, whole cardamom pods, ground allspice, and sliced fresh ginger
• Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes
• Turn off the heat, ladle into a mug, (add your favorite holiday spirit, if desired), and enjoy!

As seen in the recipe, it is basically just a handful of steps. The biggest takeaway is the flavors added from all the spices. Even though the apple cider might be the starting point, all the spices elevate the flavors.

This beverage recipe serves as a reminder that it might be time to replenish that spice rack. If the last time that the ginger, clovers or cardamon was used is last holiday season, the spices need to be replaced. After a while, the spices lose their flavor.

Also, this apple cider recipe can be made an “adult” by addition a splash or two. While the liquor cabinet holds many possibilities, the new Cutwater Heaters might be a great idea. Although that mixer is intended to use with water, adding the whiskey hot toddy or even the vodka apple pie might be a nice idea.

What is your go-to holiday beverage? Is mulled apple cider a beverage that you want to serve this year?