Instant Pot Apple Cider - Mulled Cider | Recipes From A Pantry (2024)

FAQs

How do you heat store bought apple cider? ›

Heat in the microwave oven, uncovered, for 2 to 3 minutes.

When you're ready to turn it into spiced cider, simply add the juice or cider to a saucepan with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel. That's it. No added sugar here because apples are a sweet gift from nature all on their own!

Traditionally cider is spiked with dark spirits, like the rum and bourbon in the recipes above. But what if you want something a little lighter? Vodka can do the trick. Since it doesn't contribute much in the way of flavor, we add fresh ginger for its distinctive, peppery-sweet flavor.

Here's the difference between apple cider and apple juice: Apple cider is just unfiltered apple juice that can be served hot or cold. Mulled apple cider is unfiltered apple juice that's been heated and flavored with mulling spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and allspice; and fruits like oranges, lemons, and apples.

Can you just heat up apple cider? Yes, you could absolutely choose a hard, alcoholic cider for this recipe. Add the spices and chai teabags, and warm gently.

Sure, you could just heat up a cup of apple cider and it would be tasty, but simply adding a few spices and a little sweetener turns store-bought cider into a steamy mug of pure deliciousness.

The combination of spices varies, but it usually consists of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg, and less frequently star anise, peppercorn, or cardamom. It also usually includes dried fruit, such as raisins, apples, or orange rind. Mulling spices can be bought prepackaged.

The slower the fermentation the better the cider will taste. It is really important not to exceed 27°C. When the fermentation has finished (the gravity reading on the hydrometer will be the same for a few days and will be under 1000 SG) siphon off the yeast into another clean sterilised container.

Many alcohols mix well with apple cider. Dark liquors like bourbon (my pick) or dark rum are traditional, but they are by no means the only option. Vodka pairs well with apple cider and is a good light option. You can even let guests each pick their own.

Can you make hard cider from store bought apple juice? ›

So no, you don't have to go pick and freshly juice your own organic apples in order to make cider. I would absolutely do this if I had my own apple tree, but I don't. With this recipe, you can just buy some organic apple juice at the store. I used the 365 brand of organic pressed apple juice from Whole Foods.

Many cidermakers will boost the character by adding sugars like maple syrup or brown sugar. This will boost alcohol level and add a hint of molasses as well. Winemaker's acid blend (or malic acid) available at your local homebrew shop is a great way to add some complexity to hard cider that lacks that crisp bite.

We recommend only adding fruit peel later on into the the mulling process as it can give a bitter after taste if left in for too long. Try adding your fruit slices for the last 5 minutes before serving.

Is mulled apple cider good for you? Mulled apple cider contains nutrients found in apples, including antioxidants like polyphenols. Antioxidants help protect against oxidative stress to keep cells healthy. Apples are also rich in quercetin, pectin, vitamin C, vitamin E and fiber.

Apple cider is a versatile beverage you can integrate into your menu in a variety of ways. While delicious cold, you can turn apple cider into a warming and comforting drink by heating it on the stove and adding a sprinkle of your favorite type of cinnamon. You can also use it to make holiday-themed co*cktails.

It's all up to personal preference! Apple cider can be served fresh out of the fridge, on ice, or warmed up, typically with cinnamon sticks or additional fall spices. Some folks also feel safer drinking unpasteurized cider after it has been heated to at least 160 degrees (and cools to taste).

Combine apple cider and spices and sugar in a heat resistant mug that can go into the microwave. Heat, uncovered, in microwave 2 minutes. Let stand until cool enough to drink. Remove spices if you don't want them floating in your cup while drinking cider, and remove spices if serving to a child.