If you want a cozy fall beverage, try this Apple Cider Mulled Wine. Crisp apple cider, a dry white wine, honey, and warm mulling spices combine into a comforting, aromatic drink. It’s quick to prepare with straightforward ingredients and can be finished with a splash of bourbon, spiced rum, or brandy if you like a boozy note. Serve in mugs garnished with apple and orange slices and a cinnamon stick for a seasonal presentation.
This recipe blends the best elements of mulled wine and spiced cider into one excellent fall favorite. It’s ideal for an evening by the fire, a small gathering, or any time you want a drink that fills the kitchen with inviting autumn aromas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fall in a cup: Apple cider, warming spices, and wine create a cozy seasonal drink that smells as good as it tastes.
- Simple to make: With common pantry ingredients and only a few minutes of active prep, this mulled wine comes together easily.
- Flexible: Simmer on the stovetop or keep warm in a slow cooker. Adjust sweetness or add a spirit to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for entertaining: Make a batch ahead of time and keep it warm—great for parties or a relaxed evening with friends.
Tip: For an apple-forward version, add an extra cup of apple cider. If you prefer deeper notes, try using a dry red wine instead of white.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients before you begin. Most are pantry staples in the fall.
- Mulling spices – a blend of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and other warming spices (or a homemade mix).
- Dry white wine – a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or similar dry white balances the cider’s sweetness.
- Apple cider – fresh apple cider gives natural sweetness and rich apple flavor.
- Honey – adds gentle sweetness and softens the spice edges.
- Orange – sliced, for bright citrus notes.
- Apples – sliced, for garnish and extra apple flavor.
- Cinnamon sticks – for garnish and aroma.
How to Make
Follow these easy steps to make Apple Cider Mulled Wine. The method is forgiving, so you can adapt it to your taste.
- Place mulling spices in a spice bag or a piece of cheesecloth tied securely. This keeps the spices contained for easy removal.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan or a slow cooker, combine the spice bag, the bottle of dry white wine, apple cider, and honey. Stir to dissolve the honey.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 2–3 hours to let the flavors meld. Avoid boiling; aim for a gentle simmer or low steady heat.
- Remove and discard the spice bag. Stir in the sliced orange and apples just before serving to keep the fruit fresh and flavorful.
- Keep the mulled wine warm on the lowest heat setting or in a slow cooker for up to two hours. If you like, add a splash of spiced rum, brandy, or bourbon just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use red wine instead of white wine?
Yes. Red wine will create a richer, fuller-bodied mulled wine. Choose a dry red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to avoid an overly sweet result.
How do I keep this warm for a party?
A slow cooker on the warm setting is ideal. If using the stovetop, keep it on the lowest setting with a lid, and stir occasionally to prevent reducing or simmering too vigorously.
What should I serve with Cider Mulled Wine?
This drink pairs beautifully with fall appetizers and desserts: cheese boards, roasted spiced nuts, pumpkin bread, and baked treats all complement the warm flavors.
More Fall Drinks You’ll Love
- Pumpkin Old Fashioned
- Butterscotch White Russian
- Apple Cider Sidecar
- Classic Mulled Wine
- Caramel Apple Martini
- Autumn Harvest Sangria
I hope this Cider Mulled Wine becomes one of your go-to fall recipes. It’s cozy, aromatic, and versatile—perfect for cool evenings and small gatherings. If you try it, consider leaving a rating or a note about how you customized it; every kitchen makes it a little bit different.
Really Good Cider Mulled Wine
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons mulling spices*
- 1 (750 ml) bottle dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc recommended)
- 4 cups apple cider
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 apples, sliced
- Additional cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a spice bag with the mulling spices.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan or slow cooker, combine the spice bag, wine, cider, and honey. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours. Remove and discard the spice bag.
- Stir in the orange and apple slices before serving. Keep warm on low heat or in a slow cooker. Add a splash of spiced rum, brandy, or bourbon if desired.
Notes
*You can use a store-bought mulling spice blend or make your own with cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and whole allspice.
**Add an extra cup of cider for a stronger apple flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 206 kcal | Carbohydrates: 36 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 1 g | Sugar: 30 g