There’s nothing quite like a steaming mug of Hot Mulled Apple Cider to bring warmth and coziness to your Thanksgiving table. This comforting drink blends fresh apple cider with whole spices, citrus, and a touch of sweetness, creating a dessert-like beverage that feels indulgent without being heavy. Whether you’re serving guests after a festive dinner or offering a seasonal drink to sip by the fire, this mulled cider recipe delivers fragrant, spiced, crowd-pleasing flavor with minimal effort.

Perfect for holiday gatherings, this recipe can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker and kept warm throughout the evening—making it an ideal Thanksgiving dessert drink for all ages.

Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Total Time: 55 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 hot mugs of mulled cider

Ingredients

  • 1 gallon fresh apple cider
  • 1 medium orange, sliced into rounds
  • 1 medium apple, sliced
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
  • 1–2 star anise pods (optional, but adds beautiful depth)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup (optional; adjust to sweetness preference)
  • Optional garnishes: whipped cream, caramel drizzle, cinnamon sticks, extra orange slices

Tip: Whole spices ensure a clean, smooth flavor without making the cider cloudy. Avoid ground spices, which can create grit.

Directions

  1. Combine Ingredients
    Pour the apple cider into a large stockpot or slow cooker. Add orange slices, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, star anise, and brown sugar or maple syrup (if using).
  2. Simmer Gently
    Heat over low to medium-low heat until the cider begins to steam. Do not boil—boiling can make the cider taste bitter. Simmer for at least 30 to 45 minutes to infuse the spices deeply.
  3. Add Vanilla
    Stir in vanilla extract during the last 5 minutes of simmering. This gives the cider a warm, dessert-like aroma.
  4. Strain (Optional)
    For a smoother drink, strain the cider through a fine-mesh sieve to remove fruit and whole spices, or simply ladle around them for a rustic presentation.
  5. Serve Warm
    Ladle the hot mulled cider into mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, orange slice, or whipped cream for a dessert-style finish.

Best Practice:
If serving over several hours during Thanksgiving dinner, keep the cider on the “warm” setting in a slow cooker. The flavor continues to develop beautifully without risk of burning.

Optional Dessert Upgrade:
Top with a swirl of caramel sauce and a dollop of whipped cream to transform it into a Caramel Apple Cider dessert drink.

Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values

  • Calories: 165
  • Total Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 10mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 38g
  • Protein: 0g
    (Values may vary based on cider brand and sweetener used.)

Conclusion

This Hot Mulled Apple Cider makes the perfect Thanksgiving dessert beverage—warm, fragrant, and bursting with festive spice. It’s an easy, make-ahead-friendly drink that feels both comforting and elevated, delighting kids and adults alike. Serve it alongside pie, enjoy it instead of a traditional dessert, or sip it fireside while wrapping up the evening’s celebration.

RecipesHoliday RecipesThanksgiving Recipes