If fall had an official drink, this would be it. It’s cozy, it’s fruity, it smells like a holiday candle (but way better because you can actually drink it), and it warms you from the inside out. Think apple cider meets cranberry juice, with a whole squad of spices crashing the party—cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and a little orange zest. Basically, it’s liquid autumn in a mug.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
- It makes your kitchen smell like a holiday market.
- It’s super easy—dump, simmer, sip. That’s the entire vibe.
- It’s family-friendly, but also totally upgradeable with a splash of rum, whiskey, or brandy if you’re feeling festive.
- It’s cheaper (and tastier) than buying those overpriced seasonal drinks at coffee shops.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cups apple cider (or good-quality apple juice if cider isn’t around)
- 2 cups cranberry juice (100% juice, not the cocktail sugar bomb)
- 1 orange, sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 star anise pods (optional, but very Instagram-worthy)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (to taste)
- Optional: 1/2 cup rum, whiskey, or brandy for the grown-up version
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Grab a big pot and pour in apple cider and cranberry juice.
- Toss in the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
- Bring it up to a simmer over medium heat. Don’t let it boil like crazy—this is mulled drink, not potion-making.
- Let it gently simmer for 20–30 minutes so the flavors can mingle like old friends.
- Taste and sweeten with maple syrup or honey as needed.
- Strain out the spices (unless you enjoy chewing on cloves—zero judgment).
- Pour into mugs, add a cinnamon stick for style points, and sip happily.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Boiling it hard. This just makes it taste sharp and bitter. Keep it low and slow.
- Forgetting to strain. Nobody wants a surprise clove floating in their drink.
- Using cranberry cocktail. It’s way too sweet and artificial. Go for the real stuff.
- Overspicing. A little clove goes a long way. Too much and it tastes like mouthwash.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Swap orange for lemon slices if you like things a little more tart.
- Add ginger slices for a spicy kick.
- Use pomegranate juice instead of cranberry for a different fruity twist.
- For a kid-friendly holiday vibe, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
FAQ
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Just toss everything in and set on low for 2–3 hours.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes—store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
What alcohol goes best?
Rum for sweet warmth, whiskey for depth, and brandy for fancy holiday vibes.
Can I use ground spices instead of whole?
Not recommended. You’ll end up with gritty sludge at the bottom of your mug.
Is this drink good cold?
Actually, yes—it’s like a spiced fruit punch when chilled. But warm is where it really shines.
Final Thoughts
This warm mulled apple and cranberry drink is basically a hug in liquid form. It’s simple, cozy, and versatile—perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or just when you need something soothing after a long day. Bonus: it makes your house smell like you’ve been baking all day, even if you haven’t.