Mulled cider recipe

Mulled cider is a Christmas staple that is sure to warm you up on a winter’s night.

Serve this scrumptious mulled cider to family and friends and toast to the festive season. This hearty hot cider recipe contains aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves and star anise, which smell divine and give a generous depth of flavour to the tangy apple taste. Simply add the ingredients in a pan and slow-cook for 30 minutes, then serve whilst warm. Did you know that you can make mulled wine in a slow cooker, meaning you can make mulled cider in a slow cooker too - great for parties.

Ingredients

• 2 large lemons
• A small handful of cloves
• 2 apples
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 5 pieces star anise
• 2ltr cider

Method

1. Using a cocktail stick make a hole in the skin of one of the lemons and insert a clove into the hole. Leave a space and repeat in a circle around one end of the lemon. Repeat the process along the lemon leaving approx. 1.5cm between each ring of cloves. Use a sharp knife to cut the lemon into slices between the cloves. Slice the other lemon.
2. Cut the apples into quarters and carefully cut away the core. Cut the pieces of apple into thin slices.
3. Place the cinnamon sticks and star anise pieces in a large, heavy-based saucepan and heat for 1 minute, stirring to release the flavours.
4. Add the cider, apple and lemon slices to the pan and heat over a low-medium heat, stirring occasionally for 30-35 minutes or until piping hot. Serve ladled into tall glasses with fruit slices.

Tips for making mulled cider:

Can I used different flavours of fruit cider to make mulled cider?

Yes. Why not try it with pear cider (sometimes called perry), or orange cider, for a festive twist. Fruity berry ciders also work well.

How can add extra flavour to mulled cider?

For an extra kick, add in a wine-glassful (about 120ml) of calvados - an apple liqueur from Normandy. Alternatively try a fruity orange liqueur like Cointreau. Add it a tablespoon or two at a time, to taste.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of mulled cider?

Yes, you can use alcohol-free cider or alcohol-free fruity ciders to make this drink. For kids, you can simply replace the cider with a good quality cloudy apple juice.

What does 'mulled' mean?

Mulling means to heat and add sweetness and flavour, and people have been doing it to drinks for thousands of years. The Romans drank mulled wine. Different countries around Europe have a long history of mulling wine, cider and fruit juices, originally because they were thought to fortify you during the winter months.

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