For me, cider was an acquired taste. And the way that I make it now, I especially like it because it’s a little bit sour from the ingredients I use (like the green apples, cranberry juice and green apple Crown Royal). I’m not a big sweets person, so those ingredients are crucial for me to enjoy a warm cup of this mulled cider!

What is “mulled”, you ask? I asked this question too, don’t worry you’re not dumb.

mull: verb
past tense: mulled; past participle: mulled
warm (a beverage, especially wine, beer, or cider) and add spices and sweetening to it.

So it’s a verb, not an adjective. Meaning you are warming whatever liquid you feel like warming.

I’m also not big on dark liquor, but holy shit this Crown Royal Apple will change your stripes. This stuff is like candy, but not sweet (?) and requires no chaser if you really want to go for it and just take a shot. It adds so much body to the cider. You can make this recipe sans alcohol, but I don’t recommend it. Especially if you’re making it for the holidays and you’re around family. We all need a little buzz around family amiright?

OR… it’s still completely acceptable to make this spiked while sitting on the couch alone watching Elf… no one is judging over here. We’ve all been there.

Scroll down for the WHAT and the HOW and enjoy some pretty pics from Wildlings Photo Co.

Happy Holidays, friends!

HERE’S WHAT

• • • 2 quarts apple juice (I like Simply)
    • 1/2 large orange
    • 1 small green apple
    • 1 small golden delicious apple
    • 1-1/2 tsp. cloves
    • 2 star anise
    • 1 Tbsp honey
    • 2 cinnamon sticks
    • 1/2 cup of cranberry juice (do not skip this ingredient!!)
    • star anise for garnish
    • cinnamon stick for garnish
    • cute flower or rosemary sprig for garnish

HERE’S HOW

1. 1. 1. Prep:
         • Slice oranges, green apples and red apples so they’re in the shape of circles
      2. Add apple juice into dutch oven or pot
      3. Add orange slices, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, cranberry juice and honey
      4. Let simmer for 2-3 hours on medium-low
      5. Garnish as you like!