Enjoy the flavors of fall and winter with this mulled apple cider infused with cranberries. Sweetened with dark maple syrup, it’s delicious on its own or with a splash of bourbon for grown-ups.
This season I’ve been drawn to cozy drinks. I’ve already shared apple cider mimosas, pumpkin shrubs, and an apple cider hot toddy, and now this mulled apple cider with cranberries completes my lineup. If you love warm, spiced beverages that fill the kitchen with comforting aromas, this one is for you.
I adore mulled drinks. Walking through the city on a cold day and catching the scent of mulled wine or cider from a street vendor instantly lifts my spirits. A steaming mug in one hand and a bag of candied pecans in the other—those little moments make the season special.
While mulled wine is a classic, it isn’t always family-friendly. This mulled apple cider with cranberries is a great non-alcoholic alternative that still offers rich, warming flavor. The recipe is adapted from The Crown Maple Guide to Maple Syrup, a book that explores maple syrup’s history and culinary uses. If you enjoy cooking with natural sweeteners, it’s worth checking out the cookbook for inspiration.
The cider combines apple cider and cranberry juice with fresh cranberries, maple syrup, cinnamon, cloves, and a split vanilla bean. It’s simple to make and produces a fragrant, inviting drink that works well for gatherings or quiet evenings at home. For adults, adding a dash of brandy or Cointreau to a mug is a nice optional finishing touch.
You can make your own apple cider at home using a stovetop, slow cooker, or instant pot method. Serve this mulled cider with baked goods such as an apple cider doughnut cake for a complete seasonal treat.
Recipe Card
Mulled Apple Cider with Cranberries
Pin Recipe
6 mins
15 mins
21 mins
Ingredients
- 2 oranges large
- 4 cups apple cider
- 4 cups cranberry juice
- 2 cups cranberries fresh or frozen
- 1 cup dark maple syrup
- 3 sticks cinnamon
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 vanilla bean split open
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Carefully peel the outer skin from the oranges, leaving the white pith attached to the fruit. The peel adds bright citrus aroma without bitterness.
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Place the orange peels, apple cider, cranberry juice, cranberries, maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, cloves, split vanilla bean, and salt into a large pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
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Reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and concentrate.
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Strain the hot cider to remove the orange peels and whole spices. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
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Serve warm in mugs. Optionally add a splash of bourbon, brandy, or Cointreau to adult servings.
Nutrition
Calories: 336 kcal
Carbohydrates: 85 g
Protein: 1 g
Fat: 1 g
Sodium: 201 mg
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 71 g
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